This is my fall.
I drive to work in the morning and pass one school and four big, yellow school buses, filled with children with backpacks, wearing thick jackets, smiling. I see neighborhoods of sprawling maple trees, their leaves varying shades of crimson, golden, deep burgundy. Trees also flank the highways, peeking out above embankments, marching in ordered rows, set in similar burnt shades. Crisp, cold air flows inside through my car’s open windows.
At work, I sit surrounded by large windows, with a huge tree just next to me that’s beginning to orange and matching, smaller trees at the buildings within view. It’s darker now, so I flip on my lamp. Volume is slower these days, thanks to the economy or the election or just life. There have been layoffs. Then more layoffs. Then the sad, sad voicemail at my desk one morning, from the receptionist I loved who raved about my baking. Chin up, she told me. She’ll be fine, she’ll keep working hard, she’ll get through this. I watch the pale blue sky while I work, sipping coffee, ready to bite into a freshly picked apple my co-worker gave to me.
By the end of the day, the sky will be gray. It’s happened sooner this year than last, before daylight saving time, before the end of October, before I had time to expect it. I will drive home in almost-dark, the sun night quite set, night on my mind. I will eat dinner, maybe go for a walk, maybe read a little, maybe blog for a bit, then go to sleep.
Filed under 9-5, economy, relationships, the everyday |
5 Responses to “This is my fall.”
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Your writing is so inspiring and eloquent. You have a way with words, descriptions and putting sad news with a bit of optimism and hope. Please keep writing like this. The visual descriptons help me as an aspiring writer see what I’m missing.
Shucks, SF. Am I blushing? You’re very kind.
Your post is very touching. I have been feeling very similar lately - must be the Windy City blues.
Nice post, very poetic. I agree I hate when the days get shorter, have to make the most of it. I enjoy the descriptive posts mixed with informational posts, nice tough.
Craig
http://www.budgetpulse.com
(insert tune here)
Don’t worry…
Be happy…