Seasons of the Soul

Holidays, seasons, and reasons to celebrate . . . and moments to pause and pray

Autumn

Featured Poem

Autumn Leaves

A poem by Patricia Petro

Autumn falls gently
crimson to gold leaves
drift to blanket the earth
like a mother’s loving touch
tucking her child in
for winter’s sleepy approach

the barren tree branches
like long brown fingers
reach to the heavens
soaking in the last heated rays
grateful for the glory
that was summer

and birds silent now
save their songs
as the earth settles into itself
safe and warm to wait
in peaceful acceptance
of what is

Autumn is a quiet time . . . a season for reflection.

In autumn, across the Northern Hemisphere, diminishing daylight hours and falling temperatures induce trees to prepare for winter. In preparation, the trees shed billions of leaves. This shedding of leaves is preceded by a spectacular color show. It is the glory of autumn.

Photo Gallery

au·tumn (Ã´tum) n. 1. the season between summer and winter; fall. In the Northern Hemisphere it is from the September equinox to the December solstice; in the Southern Hemisphere it is from the March equinox to the June solstice. 2. a time of full maturity, esp. the late stages of full maturity; to be in the autumn of one’s life.

Celebrate the colors of the season. Enjoy its beauty and feel the peaceful blessings all around. Turn inward and be as gentle with yourself as the falling leaves.

“Autumn . . .
the year’s last,
loveliest smile.”
—William Cullen Bryan

CLICK FOR LARGER VIEW

“Fall at Riverbend,” Watercolor, 2010
by Tom Schmidt