ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

The black walnut tree outside my window is nearly completely barren of foliage. She is usually the first to bloom in the spring. I wonder how long she has stood, so staunchly guarding with limbs reaching up to God for sustenance. The trunk is completely straight with branches that fill the yard with shade for most of the summer months. As she sheds her leaves in autumn, she creates a blanket of gold upon the floor. I wonder how many humans sat below that tree and talked or shared a meal or set up an easel. My memories this year have been filled with emotion. The change of seasons makes me think of things past, present and future. When I look at that tree I see life, death and all that runs between. The seasons will change her appearance. Someday she will fall, but for now she is a sign of endings and new beginnings.

The heat of summer crunches under fallen shards,

Remnants of that which once was full of life,

Giving way to grandiose color everywhere,

God’s paintbrush embraces the trees,

Scrumbling, brilliant hues throughout the landscape,

Purveying jewels to adorn the countryside,

Filling the sky with burnt orange, crimson and golden clouds,

Autumn reminds us of our earthly journey,

Soon we’ll be blanketed with white,

Encased in ice,

Struggling to keep our balance,

Watching icicles form,

But for now,

Enjoy,

The brocaded tapestry of a coat of many colors,

Created by the One True God.