Autumn’s Sweet Temptation

I was tempted.  This morning.  Even in my late 70s, the seduction was strong.  Autumn leaves. Raked in a mound. Go for it… jump up and in!  I remembered the joy of such flight up and in a mound of crunchy crimson glory as a child.

Walking home from the barber shop, I spied the leaf-dome someone had piled together the day before.  At age six or seven or ten, there would have been no doubt about it.  Leaves might be designed for photosynthesis and then mulch but in the second week of November, banked high they were meant to be jumped upon, rolled in, and enjoyed!  The colors, the smells and cushy landings are autumn’s gift and a child’s hankering.  Don’t stop to worry about hidden objects — tree branches, or broken glass, or rocks or… well, a surprise gift from a passing pooch. Go for it?

“Nope,” thought I. Too old, already landed on too many hard realities over the years.  I’ll wait until the grandkids arrival for Thanksgiving visits.  See then if any autumn offerings are in the neighborhood. Perhaps still dry, piled high and ready for love.  Wouldn’t want to miss that joy for my leaping into some foolish temptation now.