Autumn and Impermanence
Thick morning mist drifts across the fields from the River Thames.
After a week of rain, the countryside has changed almost overnight. Grass that seemed tired and dry is green again, with new growth appearing in only a few days.
My feet are wet. I make a mental note that my walking shoes need reproofing. These shoes have taken me to Everest Base Camp several times, yet apparently an autumn field in England is enough to defeat them.
The seasons seem to be turning unusually quickly.
Leaves are falling. Others are changing to red. Conkers lie scattered beneath the horse chestnuts, waiting for children — or perhaps competitors preparing for the World Conker Championships.
Only a few days ago the landscape seemed quite different.
I stop for a moment and look around.
So much change in so little time.
Tanka
mist across the fields
green shoots rise after the rain
red leaves start to fall
I walked this way days ago
nothing quite the same