Monday, October 22, 2012

On Fall, Shakespeare, Life and Death


I love fall. I love the cool temps, the color and the anticipation of change that permeates the cool air.

But three years ago my perception of fall shifted. It was on a beautiful day in October when I got a phone call that my sister had collapsed. Seven weeks later she was gone. I spent most of those seven weeks at her home, helping with her children, and watching the leaves drop one by one.
That time of year thou mayst in me behold
When yellow leaves, or none, or few, do hang
Upon those boughs which shake against the cold,
Bare ruin'd choirs, where late the sweet birds sang.
In me thou seest the twilight of such day
As after sunset fadeth in the west,
Which by and by black night doth take away,
Death's second self, that seals up all in rest.
In me thou see'st the glowing of such fire
That on the ashes of his youth doth lie,
As the death-bed whereon it must expire
Consumed with that which it was nourish'd by.
   This thou perceivest, which makes thy love more strong,
   To love that well which thou must leave ere long.
Thanks Shakespeare. You really do say it best. I still love the autumn. I still miss my sister.

5 comments:

  1. The Poet does say it best! I love this time of the year when the world prepares for winter time. It's amazing how the seasons with their smells and colors can make us relive certain times in our lives.

    I'm so sorry for the temporary loss of your sister. What a blessing you could be with her at the end.

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    1. You really can't beat Shakespeare. He's a genius!

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  2. I'm sorry for your loss. And glad you have the space to reflect on it with such beauty and clarity.

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  3. Beautiful post, Julie. I'm also in love with the fall. For me, it's been summer that's been affected by the loss of loved ones--June and July. It can color your love, make it a bit bittersweet.

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