Changing Seasons

Peering out the window, I see bits of snowflakes tangling with the rain.  Colors in the trees are fading and going into dormancy.  Our apple tree, with its one leaf waving its sunshine-colored flag, reminds me of a sweet autumn story called, Fletcher and the Falling Leaves.  The story shows a little fox struggling to hold onto the falling leaves, not fully understanding that these breezes that blow are also the ones that are whispering the winds of winter.  I stare at my almost bare tree.  Her branches are a deep rust-colored brown.  There's one lone leaf left shivering, trying to hold on.  I find myself wanting to be like Fletcher and rush out to rescue it.  But I know soon this leaf, too, will fall, gently and quietly, unto the base of the tree to blanket and warm.  It's part of the seasonal change.  Winter is upon us.  It's chilly.  It's time to snuggle under a quilt and read a good book together.