In the transition from late green-golden summer
into fall, we stand for a moment in both worlds.
In a dance with light and dark, the memories of hot brightness are still fresh, but the woods are quiet, their noisier denizens gone now; and there are hints of yellow in the leaves. And each day, dusk comes earlier. As we cross the threshold into the time of fading, the part of me that has been clinging to summer turns away, relinquishing the long active days for the dimming light and the hues of second harvest.
At this time of year I sense the whole of the prairie and light woodlands more than I do their individual plants; a harmony of earth, water and myriad fading green life forms, in a way that I do not know how to describe. It is as if the energies of the region hum in unison as they prepare for dormancy and sleep. Now we gather the fruits of early autumn, in the second harvest — a harvest of colors. The herbs of the season linger from late summer…. Goldenrod, Gumweed and Mugwort. They call with the color of yellow, remembering summer sun embodied in their medicines; now set aside to help us in the winter cold. Continue reading “Second Harvest — A Moment of Balance”