Prasansha Bhatta
First light is absolutely pulchritudinous and to all honesty is invaluable as well. However, this morning routine, filled with the chirping of birds and revival in the lap of Mother Nature, was delightful and distinct. Even so, fall comprises of misty mornings which stand shadowless like silence listening to silence.
Today was exceptional. The ether was florid orange early, and after a short while, golden rays of the sun spread all over and brought warmth to the creation. The fragrance of black syrupy Java, prepared using garden fresh coffee beans, thrilled me. Sipping little by little I drank coffee in the charming environment. I threw myself into the excursion of this beautiful fall believing that I could be able to acknowledge the aesthetic beauty that resides within.
Taking my carrier with me, I went through the woods following a trail. Sandwiched between flaming summer and crispy winter, autumn is a relaxing season. It’s like a second spring when every leaf is a flower. The leaves were changing from green to an incredible display of vibrant colors. The wind brought the forest to life and rustling of leaves showed that the leaves were a whispering audience. I could hear the leaves crackling under my feet as I trudged through the woods. It seemed as if fire was burning the woods slowly, melting the leaves and causing them to fall. The horror of the situation was heightened by lonesome sound of leaves scratching and scrapping one another.
Talking about animals, squirrels and chipmunks ware nibbling to stockpile of acorns and nuts for a long hibernation. Beavers were collecting maple and grasses. Migration of birds and butterflies was going on. I was puzzled seeing the intelligence of such tiny animals and was stupefied by the gentleness of great nature for bestowing such consciousness to innocent creatures.
Finally, without causing any distraction, I moved ahead. After strolling sometime, a pool came to my sight. My eyes were glittering as if a molten mirror was still before me. The way that sun shone off the rippling was antique beauty. No description could truly capture its mysterious majesty.
Stretching my fingers downwards, I moved water as if slicing off the top, and took a deep sigh when coolness of water reached my nerves. Putting my bag down on the ground, I sat crossed-legged on the damp soil. With tears of bliss were streaming down the face, I stared at the horizon in front of me. The sunset was like orange paint on a blue canvas. Sitting there I recalled the whole day of jaw-dropping palette of autumn colors in the forest, discovering woodlands packed with golden, red and orange hues, reminding me of beautiful shades of orange, pink and purple in the sky. I admired the vision of glam goddess. When I looked up in the sky the pure silver moon was already shining above, forming an arch of magenta. There were stars acting as companions to the moon. Twinkling stars caused water to sparkle making the moon look like a crystal. The entire day was full of calming emotions and beautiful memories. Nature of autumn taught that sometime we require time to heal ourselves, renew our body and keep patience for progress.
[Prasansha Bhatta, a student at Aishwarya Vidya Niketan, currently lives in Dhangadhi.]