Leaf Treader

I love this poem by Robert Frost. To me it carries the essence of fall. Of the cycle of the seasons--from brilliant blooming greens to falling foilage in golden yellows and orange. The seasons are such a beautiful symbol of change and renewal in life. I know that many times I feel, as Frost says, "Autumn-tired", but if I just take a walk to enjoy those beautiful fall creations I always come home a little more renewed. Joseph and I recently had a chance to see some of the East coast's beautiful fall on a bike ride we took along the Rock Creek Parkway.

I have been treading on leaves all day until I am autumn tired
Lord knows all the color and form of leaves I have trodden on and mired

Perhaps I have put forth too much strength or been too fierce from fear ...
I have safely trodden underfoot the leaves of another year

All summer long they were overhead more lifted up than I
To come to their final place in earth they had to pass me by

All summer long I thought I heard them whispering under their breath
And when they came it seemed with a will to carry me with them to death

They spoke to the fugitive in my heart as if it were leaf to leaf
They tapped at my eyelids and touched my lips with an invitation to grief

But it was no reason I had to go because they had to go ...
Now up, my knee, to keep atop another year of snow.
--Robert Frost