This photo is somewhat bittersweet even years after its taking. This day was crisp and colorful as one would expect any mid-October evening to be. Roughly a week later, a sudden cold front brought snow that melted quickly enough, but took every lingering leaf with it. I’d contemplated staying home and postponing this outing for a week, but forced myself out. Had I waited, this ascent would’ve been barren.
Looking back now, I question what really changed after that snow. I resented being unable to watch leaves drift and billow lazily, I sorely missed the scent of fallen leaves and ailing vegetation, and otherwise shut myself indoors for the remaining cold. Work, the apartment, and random outings were all I concerned myself with, but the land I cherished was unchanged and no less deserving of reverence. I was drawn here before that snow, but I wasn’t near it. Removed from nature for so many months after, I soon wasn’t much near anything.
What is a season to these trees? What is a season cut short to their brethren underbrush and the animals that seek shelter? Time will tell how gracefully I accept another lost autumn, but I’m utterly certain that I’d rather climb this path and many others undaunted, no matter the time of year. I’d rather arrive and appreciate each gift the seasons bring.
Taken at Indian Lake Park of Berry, WI.
Mamiya RB 67 Pro-S
Mamiya 50mm f/4.5 C
Kodak Ektar – ISO 100 – 6×7