Photo: David Slotto
Twinges in the hinges mark the beginning of cold weather, reminding me that my life has entered its autumn as well. So much to do, so many things to see, touch, taste, feel, learn. But I can only enjoy this one precious moment, so I drink—no, gulp–life greedily.
I take my sketch pad and number two pencil, don a sweater, grab a folding chair and hurry toward the river, a block away. Golden aspens vie with crimson maples for my attention. I settle on the maple, mourning the loss of our autumn flame that, like the river, died this year. Have you ever sketched all those tiny veins in a leaf? Do it now, before your own precious life succumbs to the drought of limited days.
Life force flows freely
through leaves, trunk, into the roots
settles down to sleep.
A late link for the wonderful Haibun Monday prompt at dVerse Poets and I’m also linking to WordPress Weekly Photo Prompt, where they are looking for monochromatic photography!
Note: Autumn Flame is a one type of maple.
Victoria C. Slotto, Author 
Oh the thought of sketching the veins of a leef.. That would be just the eager drinking of life you mention. Wonderful photo as well.
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Appreciate the reflection inherent in this haibun and the comparison of the seasons in nature to the seasons of our lives.
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LOverly imagery Victoria the autumn brings such a depth of colour to our lives. Hope you are doing well.
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I like your opening words here, Victoria…”twinges in the hinges.” Your lust for life and enjoying life’s small treasures as you still have time comes through loud and clear. I remember examining leaves very closely while growing up but haven’t sketched one before. That photo is stunning! Nice to be back here my friend…
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Very atmospheric poem, Victoria. I love the beginning of Autumn. Yet I am not brave enough to go out and sketch, unless it is from my own porch. I still wonder what others might think I guess.
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Yes, we have to gulp life greedily while we can. Autumn comes and then goes all too soon. And, we must find joy in those small things…the ‘veins’ of life we might otherwise miss. A wise message, Victoria.
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This is lovely… and so much of it resonated with where I am at in my own life just now. A wonderful piece!
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love that you sketch the little things… i always think that if we sketch things we see them much more intensive and detailed than we usually would… and every detail is so precious… and life def. floats faster than i want it to
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It is a lot to take in, but some of the most beauty is in the fine detail, like tracing those veins. Life is fleeting, like your tree. Here today and gone tomorrow. We drink deep or it passes us by. That is for sure.
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A good thought, to live every moment to the max. There’s vibrant colour in that “monochrome” photo!
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Oh me too.. Victoria.. shedding offline all electronic
stuff and cultural clothes too.. i Love to dance hours
just moving to the rhythm of the sands earth beneath…
Sand move feats
of Inner Life
GOD LIVES..:)
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I want to gulp at life greedily too and enjoy the last of our summer blooms here ~ I haven’t sketched the veins of the leaf yet ~ It is good to be busy ~
I also like the seasonal haiku, as nature settles down to sleep ~
A lovely haibun Victoria ~
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And your hubby’s photo is like a painting, wow ~
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Those leaves in the photo are exquisite!
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