a promise kept

a few weeks ago, i noticed that every time the hot, sultry air in the back yard stirred, a small drift of golden leaves would fall from the neighbors' black walnut tree. they flutter slowly to earth, leaving countless behind. the tree itself is green and in full leaf, but since that day every breeze is greeted with a shower of gold. it seemed a promise, a reminder that asheville would not swelter forever in daytime temperatures in excess of 90 degrees, that nights would again sink below 60. two days ago it rained... and the first breath of fall swept in behind it. even in the warm damp mist after the rain, there were cool threads of air twining through the vapor. it felt like cool water on my skin, and i could at last breathe again. since then, the light has changed. the quality of shadow is more jewel-like and clear. even in the thick fog of this morning, the world had more depth. fall is coming. the forecast for this week does not reach above 85 degrees. the cicadas' song, the falling leaves, the passing calendar... fall is almost here. and with every sighing wind, a hundred long yellow leaves proclaim its approach in their graceful saunter downwards.
lovepeace
heather