Portland welcomed me back from my travels with a sloppy, wet smooch. I’d left town during “Indian Summer” and returned to find that fall had already settled in. It’s time for gloves, hats, boots and a warmer, waterproof jacket. The garb itself makes one feel cozy. This morning, the day after Halloween, I was walking the dogs earlier than usual (jet-lag? daylight savings time? Something had re-set my personal clock) I was treated to a glimpse of youngsters on their way to school. A group of smartly dressed little girls, (is that called a “giggle?”) excitedly compared notes on last night.
“I l-o-o-o-o-o-o-v-e Butterfingers!”
“Me too!” (Me too).
“I only take three pieces of candy to school. I want to make it l-a-a-a-s-t.”
The boys, dragging sweatshirts, shoelaces and backpacks seemed barely awake. I heard one groaning “No, no, no!”
Parents dutifully led parades of intrepid bicyclists or hurried small mobs into their idling Prius’s. Some kids walked with strollers, dogs, siblings and mommies in their entourages. They marched through the gauntlet of golden plumes that lined one street like fiery torches. The slick sidewalks were narrowed by piles of fallen leaves and tattooed, like proud Canadians, with myriad maple leaf prints.
The school bell rang and then, silence. All I heard was the gentle, but determined breeze, whistling through the boughs and teasing the last vulnerable leaves from their branches. The once majestic trees now slumped in resignation as they shed their flashy autumn dresses. Bending down they seemed to embrace me and hold me close.
Recent Comments