Tiffany Painter

It had to happen. The calendar was flipped to a new month and a new season. I know the official start to fall is not for a few weeks, but once a certain coffee company starts advertising the pumpkin spice again, I know summer is over. I will begrudgingly admit there are a few nice things about fall, just not that flavored coffee. The cooler mornings have some merit. Later sunrises trick my pets into a few more minutes of sleep. Watching people get excited over football is fun. Switching from shorts to jeans can be nice, maybe. I might be looking forward to mornings with a warm cup of tea instead of my iced chai. I never miss pulling weeds and think they may finally be going away. The changing of the leaves from green to yellow and orange is magical. All of these things are nice, but my heart is already counting down the days until next summer. There is a feeling about summer that no other season can capture. But I will stay open-minded and continue to search for the little things all the other seasons can provide. It’s a skill worth perfecting since I have to do it with so many people out there, especially during an election year. So alright fall, I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.

8/27

morning sun calls out
let the light move you forward
away from darkness

8/31

behind wooden bars
looking for way to escape
obstacles sidelined

9/2

quiet place to rest
just minding his own business
hiding from kitten

9/4

lessons from the trail
whether hiking or living
simple rules to guide

9/7

just over the screen
a little face watches me
distracts me from work