The essence of autumn – The Cauldron
Photo Credit: Kayleigh Connors
“But soon fall is ending and winter is near / And the leaves start tumblin’ down / Why must the moments go by in such haste? / Don’t wait too long…,” sang the late Frank Sinatra in a cover of “Don’t Wait Too Long,” off of his 1965 album, September of My Years.
It is a song that takes a philosophical approach to the essence and meaning of the season that is enriched with symbolism.
Autumn is a bittersweet season in the cycle of life, reminding us of the value of time. The warm air grows numb as the leaves retire into their final stage of life and begin peaking in color before they soon release onto the cold grim ground.
With nature encompassing the beauty and reality of death, it urges one to confront their own fate. Another season has passed, and we are further away from the person we used to be, developing until we meet winter.
Death all too often is avoided, but why shy away from the essence of being? It is one of life’s most prominent lessons, which enhances an individual’s understanding of what they ought to do, and what is of importance. As troubling as that may seem, it’s the delicacy of life, and most importantly what makes it worth living.
It is in this bright yet dim, paradoxical timeframe, one often gains a greater perspective for what is of principal.
Just as the autumn leaves that consume our environment eventually reach their final stage, so will we. It’s a reminder to be as you desire and to ask yourself, “If not now, when?”
For we will soon turn cold with the winter wind.
If we were to ruminate on all that is close to our heart we may find that each is slowly fading as the nights darken and the mornings bring light. If everything we deemed as special was everlasting its meaning and value would soon falter.
From the moments that we hold close, to the seasons that each individual experience, it too shall pass. If we were guaranteed tomorrow what would make today worth living?
If the seasons never changed, would nature be quite as transcendent? It is those questions that reveal a deep truth that is reflected in the season, which urges, “Don’t wait too long.”