tales for dreamers: the fall dilemma

The leaves aren’t quite able to make up their mind as to whether or not fall is already here.

Some have already unleashed their inner fire, permitting themselves to be painted in those bright reds, yellows and oranges that only they can flaunt in style.

Others are being more cautious, taking it one day at a time. They’re still green, the colour they had worn all summer. They’ve not tired of it yet.

Besides, the sun is still warm, they point out.

But he’s losing his strength, the others argue. He no longer burns like he did in the summer months. His warmth is soothing to the touch, which means he’s losing the battle to winter.

All the more reason for us to stand by his side in his last days of glory, the loyal leaves maintain.

It won’t make the letting go any easier, a particularly red one warns. Summer’s on its way out, and there’s nothing any of us can do to change that.

Who said we want to change the turn of the seasons? the green ones explained. We simply wish to linger until it’s finally time. Until it’s finally the end.

And what good will that do? Holding on. A swift exit is the cure for heartbreak. The red leaf that had been particularly vocal broke off from the branch and drifted gently down to the ground.

The green leaves sighed. It’s not a breakup. We simply think it’ll give the sun some comfort to know that we didn’t desert him before summer took its last breath.

Last week's image info: The seemingly deserted playground in last week's tale, the children are gone, is the one in Strathcona Park. In truth, it's a serene and tranquil place. Visitors are rare but the park and playground is a balm for the senses.