On an Autumn Day

I have had a good day.

I have discovered what I love about this season.

Autumn sharpens the senses to pierce the soul.

Crisp cool mornings refresh the mind

like rain falling on a thirsty land.

And Falling leaves expound a thousand flavors

as sunlight finds a path mapped out eons ago

through aspen and oak, willow and elm—

straight to my heart.

My shadow is not dark,

it is translucent.

I have had a good day.

I walk through yellow leaves and crab apples,

their sweet musk rises from the ebony earth

to mingle with my soaring senses.

What had been an albatross around my life

is now but a lingering feather, flagging in the wind.

What had been a vortex of oppression

is now a gentle river with soft lights

pulsing through my veins.

I have had a good day.

I find myself humming as I walk—

a song that I do not know but is ancient.

It flies in my head like the bumblebee

on purple sedum,

extracting what it must to make something

sweet and rare and beautiful.

I keep walking as I hum this hymn of my heart,

this holy song from my Creator--

and I know I must learn every word.

I must learn every word—

that my voice may sing.

I must learn every word—

that my feet might dance.

Yes, I have had a good day.

Sharon Frye

10-10-07