Leaf Litter

The hills shrouded in rain and fog again today. A few days ago, a rare day of sunshine, some time for walking. Early in the day, a short stroll along a dirt road, clear blue skies, leaves dusted with frost crystals. Later, an afternoon walk in the rapidly fading daylight, cloud-cover moving in. Leaf litter obscuring the path, still-bright colors tossed to the ground, beauty at close range. Masses of faded, dry leaves, summer’s cast-offs, crunchy underfoot. Out of the woods just as the day turned to night. The days markedly shorter, the whisper of longer nights, less day-light to come.