The Last Smile

"Autumn...the years' last, loveliest smile." -William Cullen Bryant 

How quickly the colors come and then fade.... The fact that autumn's glory is fleeting is perhaps what makes it even more special. That said, it's a special treat to watch the trees who save their spectacular displays for the very end - well after their brethren have shed their leaves. There are two trees in my yard who are reliably beautiful late into the season. It's as if they are shouting, "notice me!" I choose not to think about the snow, biting winds, and bitter temperatures ahead.

Not just yet.