Scarcity
Sept 16 2020
A brief efflorescence of colour
in this northern outpost of fall.
Nothing flamboyant,
mostly modest yellows and brittle browns.
But there are arresting bursts of fire red
against the tepid canvas,
so that even the most preoccupied
can't help but stop and stare;
a useful reminder
of how scarcity makes something precious
and transience has no price.
Like forbidden fruit, we desire the unattainable
covet what's beyond our grasp.
And how rarity makes something beautiful
whether it's ours to have, or not.
When all it takes is a strong wind
to strip the trees,
thin tapered limbs
that seem to shiver through the winter cold.
And a sodden layer of leaves
matted on the ground,
a dull wet brown
as the colour leeches out.
But for now, our week of fall.
The leaves have changed
the nights are long
the air redolent of smoke.
A rare beauty
given freely to all
who take a moment to stop.
Beauty often resides in scarcity and transience. So even though we don't have tourists gawking at our autumn trees as they do the brilliant fall foliage of New England, there is pleasure to be found in our small pockets of beauty. And knowing how soon they'll be gone enhances this beauty even more.
No comments:
Post a Comment