By Christina Shepherd McGuire // Photograph by Paulette Phlipot
—
I’ve been spending a lot of time
by myself.
Here, things just seem
quieter—
more at peace.
As the last of summer makes its debut
… in the yellowing grasses,
with the breeze toppling them
like dominoes
before final harvest.
… in the bloom of the wildflower,
as it shouts a colorful call
while taking one final autumn breath.
It’s in the oranges and reds
of the pumpkins and apples
that I taste the gather
of Thanksgiving.
But for now,
I prefer to be by myself.
Because nature’s conclusive message
can be missed when life
is too noisy.
