Loam

The last leaves of the Cottonwood

Hang on tightly, resisting the wind.

Cruel cold gusts push through the night

Stealing color and leaving mist in its wake

Roots take stock.

Maple leaves explode with beauty -

a plant that knows she works well with deadlines.

Flowers hide invisibly inside capsules of potential

luring animals to eat her flesh, so she may find

Loam to sleep under

for the winter

Until light and warm rain

Crack her heart open again.

Fall in a corridor of color

This place is a beautiful trail entrance where I work, leading to two sweet spots I call otter bridge and bear river. Along the way, you pass the field of knotweed where epic games of deer and coyote have gone down, and kid-sized paths are matted down in clever loops and lookout piers. On the left beyond the treeline but before the river, is a magnificent meadow with countless herbaceous treasures and troves of goldenrod, as well as prolific small willows coppiced perfectly for weaving. Each step along this trail holds an eye and heart full of frolic and memory.



As part of my 'leaf stalking' project, I am taking repetitious photos of this beautiful spot over time, and will return here to add more as the colors continue to turn.

9.24.09

10.15.09

10.29.09

11.5.09

11.19.09