Monday, September 22, 2008


The Birthday of a New Season

At forty-four minutes and eighteen seconds past eleven this very morning, Edward and I stood at the side of a pine forest, in front of a quiet lake, watching for its arrival. As the water lapped against the rocky shore we waited. Dappled turtles formed a hard shell queue on a lichen covered log beside us, while a heron stood serenely near, with one lanky leg poised above the water, all of us frozen still, listening, silently, together in the soft glow of the late morning sun. Watching, waiting. For Autumn. Sweet red orange golden autumn, with its cinnamon winds and dancing leaves all heralding a most welcome change. May this change of season bring with it a renewal, of spirit, of purpose and of hope. In my search for beauty in the finite world, may I discover more of the infinite, and may looking outward to the needs of others provide me with a shining bit of peace to call my very own.
May the birth of this fresh, clean, new season give us all a fresh, clean, new start.
It was strange to think that when we stopped our walk by this glassy lake it was summer, and when we continued on to catch up with Apple and her Songwriter, it was autumn. A brand new season had been born to the world and we were there to witness it.


A Birthday Poem
by Ted Kooser

Just past dawn, the sun stands
with its heavy red head
in a black stanchion of trees,
waiting for someone to come
with his bucket
for the foamy white light,
and then a long day in the pasture.
I too spend my days grazing,
feasting on every green moment
till darkness calls,
and with the others
I walk away into the night,
swinging the little tin bell
of my name.

33 comments:

  1. Your words are simply wonderful. Thank you so much. And Kooser ain't so bad, either :<)

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  2. You paint a beautiful picture of fall, and your words remind me why I love it so.

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  3. How punctilious you and dear Edward are!

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  4. Happy autumn! Lovely comments and poem.

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  5. I had to laugh: you write brilliantly of the glories of the coming season. I write of leaves which masquerade as dog poop!

    Ahhh, life is grand!

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  6. A new season a new start! This suits my current restless mood. Thank you for making an appointment to see autumn arrive, and for sharing this experience with us! This would make a lovely tradition I should like to adopt!

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  7. Oooh, that was lovely, like the first time I crossed that magical lin calle the equator.
    Thank you for the lovely prayer for the entering season, it applies just as well to the southwen hemisphere.

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  8. What a peaceful post. Blessings to you and Edward for a lovely Autumn.

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  9. This is such a beautiful post. *big smile*

    And thank you so much for sharing it with us. *big big smile*

    God bless and take care. :).
    Olga/Maddie

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  10. What a wonderful, thought provoking and inspiring post. I loved reading it and I shall take it with me today as it made me feel so calm - thank you:)

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  11. That's so beautiful.
    I missed your posts whilst on my holiday but have caught up with them now.
    I love the Autumn and the way your words capture it make it sound even more magical. You paint such a colourful picture.
    My eldest daughter shares this very same birthday.
    Happy Autumn.
    BM x

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  12. A truly beautiful piece of writing and I loved the poem too.


    Kim x

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  13. Your prose is lovely today, Pam. I wish I'd been there at the lake along side you two. Happy Autumn.

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  14. Thanks for that little treasure. I imagined I was there with you soaking up those wonderful rays and bathing in the ambiance.

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  15. Happy Autumn! I love the fresh new start the crisp cool autumn brings. I always come back to life after a sluggish summer.

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  16. Beautiful post, Pamela! I just can't wait for the fall chill!
    Becky

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  17. I loved the bit about the turtles forming a queue!

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  18. Wow. This is beautiful. Please tell Edward hello for me. You have an incredibly gorgeous blog here, Pamela!

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  19. Pamela, I knew I could count on you to herald in the new season with just the right image and poetry. I expect Edward will be rolling in the leaves soon. Happy fall!

    The new season seems to have brought a new blog thingy - followers so I shall follow you into autumn. Lead on.

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  20. Like the passage of time so do the change of seasons.
    As we celebrate sweet Autumn's arrival; it's cascade of vibrant colors, the migrating of the birds, the lushness of the harvest, may we take a moment to reflect on all it's beauty.
    Just as you and Edward did that morning by the lake.
    xo Susan

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  21. lovely words. Yes Autumn to me was always a fresh start with a new school year and shoes. Then mucking up the shoes by kicking in the leaves. :-)

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  22. What a lovely post. Witnessing the birth of a season...spectacular!

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  23. You help one appreciate the closing of summer and welcoming the beginning of autumn.

    Melissa

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  24. hey--per your comment on my blog--i don't buy as many books as i used to, either. but i did join bookmooch--a free online book swap. i've saved tons of money that way. give a book, get a book. they don't always have what you want, but somtimes they do.

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  25. Thank you for taking us along.. simply lovely.. you have a gift sure and true!!! I could see it as if I was there..

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  26. Pamela,
    each time I read one of your writings, I am amazed how they seem to be more and more beautiful with each passing day.
    What a gift you have.
    Please don't stop.
    Your words are the most beautiful part of my day.

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  27. What a wonderful picture you paint with your words. No need to add other illustrations..although I alwyas enjoy them.

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  28. Just yesterday, as we drove home from an errand, a lady was walking her dog, and for one second I thought that it might be Edward. Alas, the dog's owner spoke calling out- "Sophie" and had quite a lovely way about her walk. (the dog)
    Oh, Autumn in NY is reason for a birthday celebration.
    Happy Autumn.

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  29. What a beautiful picture you painted of your morning; it is sweet to imagine you and Edward waiting to greet fall.

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I love to read your comments! Each and every one! Though I'm always reading your comments, I may not respond in the comment section. If you want to write me directly, you may do so at pamela@pamelaterry.net. Thank you for reading!