November Night
Listen…
With faint dry sound,
Like steps of passing ghosts,
The leaves, frost-crisp’d, break from the trees
And fall.
The above is a fall ‘cinquain’ by the American poet Adelaide Crapsey (1878-1914). The poem resembles the Japanese haiku form in that its central image is formed of two elements: in this case of this cinquain, the falling leaves and the steps of the ghosts. Crapsey was born and lived in New York throughout her life, dying from tuberculosis at aged 36. Crapsey’s cinquains followed a strict pattern offering a steady progression, followed by a sudden retreat or falling away to nothing.
Fall always seems to be a time for quiet reflection, especially if you can find a place to be alone. As the leaves begin to change, we are reminded of the changes in our own lives. It also seems a time to wind down from what often is a hectic summer. Best of all, fall leads us into the holiday seasons hopefully full of family, friends, and fellowship.
A quick scan of a decent bookstore (yes, a few still exist) or of the Internet will quickly tell you that fall has inspired many great poets and writers. Some address the natural beauty of the season but many see fall as inspiration in addressing the transience of life, aging, mortality, and acceptance of loss.
However, even when used for addressing those subjects which might seem morbid or depressing I personally find comfort because fall marks a natural rhythm or a transition, not a final note or ending but one part of a greater whole and a continuance. Plus, the colors are often wonderful…but perhaps not exactly the same colors as above. 👀 LOL
The woods in the fall have always been a special place for me
Hi Steve, long time no hear from. :-) I was just thinking about you the other day. I hope you’re doing well! No doubt with your career you have a tremendous amount of experience of being in the woods during fall, as well as all the other seasons. Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment. I hope you have a great Thanksgiving!
Indeed the air “feels” different this time of year, heavier I think, but with more substance. I don’t see a darn thing wrong with the colors in this photo, in fact, I am quite jealous! (is it a LUT?) It captures the mood of late autumn perfectly.
Thanks for the feedback on the color, Mark. No LUT used, just a lot of me playing with it…to the point of second guessing myself on the final results. :-)
That is one gorgeously inspired and artful image. I agree with Mark, nothing wrong with the colours. It is pure visual poetry. No less rhapsodic than Adelaide Crapsey’s work.
Thanks, Cedric, looks like I should have trusted my first impressions more. I was just having trouble deciding about this one.
I wouldn’t change a thing about this photo. I think it is superb!
Mark, thanks…I certainly value your opinion!
I think Autumn has become my favourite season in the last year or two. It used to be Spring, but I am finding Autumn has more to offer the photographer. There are so many different ways of tackling it. I really like this image. The trees suggest death – a few scattered limbs – it makes me think the area might have ben ravaged by fire. And the base has such a brilliant colour. S fine image, Earl.
Autumn has always been my favorite, Andy. Thank-you for your views on the image…much appreciated! :-)