The cool nights and dewy mornings of autumn
herald the salmon’s journey upriver,
black bear’s earnest calorie loading
and elk’s bugle and battle to attract a mate–
almost everywhere life’s ancient rhythm
reveals herself.
The deciduous trees turn toward dormancy
surrendering their dried golden leaves
to the unmatched choreography
that announces the transition of seasons.
The towering bigleaf maple on river’s edge,
a wise teacher, hangs over the water,
dripping with wisdom and epiphytes
like moss, lichen, and ferns.
She has already done so much this year:
pollen and nectar for bees,
new growth for deer and elk,
seeds for squirrels, chipmunk, birds,
and a shady canopy of thick limbs and wide leaves
for crawdad, kingfisher, and fisherperson.
Under her, a moss covered boulder
is where I observe her preparation
for the dark, wet days of winter.
Each crinkled palm-shaped leaf
finds its own path determined by
its starting point, weight, and stirring breeze.
Some drift toward wild rose and blackberry
bramble, others glide to the understory,
an ancient volcanic flow, now layered
in muted yellows and greens,
while some land on the river
perfect boats carrying messages to others shores.
Each leaf
a promise to protect small beings
and nurture plants and trees
during Winter’s descent into death.
The wide influence of this tree
is a contemplation
and reminder that each of us
can beneficially influence our
surroundings by offering what we can
so others may thrive and continue,
no matter their particular philosophy–
a sort of golden rule of Nature.
Christina M. Burress is a poet, writer, and educator, living in Tillamook, Oregon. She finds creative inspiration when she spends time in the natural world where she can deepen her relationships with the flora, fauna, and funga. https://www.christinamburress.com/
