Nature Observation: The Dainty Leaf

I find myself looking up constantly as I walk around campus – I’ve always been fascinated with the sky, the constellations that form above us at nighttime, the trees that tower over us, and the clouds that create shapes to amuse us. I’m not sure why on this particular day I caught myself looking down – but I’m glad I did. 

I came across one of the most beautiful leaves I’ve ever seen – it was mainly red but hints of orange would shine through close to the veins and the tips were highlighted in yellow. I picked it up to admire it some more because in Texas the leaves don’t really change colors like they do where I’m from in Arkansas. As I lifted it to the sky it was as translucent as the finest paper – a bid farewell to the summertime and a gesture towards cooler nights that will bring along the bare trees in the winter. 

I let the leaf go in the wind and watched it fall slowly back to the Earth – hitting the ground ever so lightly it made no sound. I stood under the trees and admired the beauty of the rest of the leaves dying off of the trees. They’re all so different – different shapes, sizes, colors. They clothe the trees in autumn and leave the trees naked in the winter. I find that so comforting – leaves can be beautiful no matter where they are – on or off the tree – dead or alive.

 I think when looking at leaves I don’t think about how amazing they are – they capture the energy in sunlight and use that to make sugars, water and CO2 – all things essential to the world around us. I don’t usually think about that kind of thing, but on this day, it brought me so much joy to look up and see all these leaves swirling above me giving so much life to everything around them. I think taking the time to sit and stare at something outside for even just 30 minutes a day makes my day so much better. 

I feel more connected to the Earth and I notice how relaxed I become as well – something I need to do more than I allow myself. I’m grateful for that leaf that crossed paths with me that day and the beauty that surrounds me constantly – if only I would look up more often and truly open my eyes. There is so much to see - go out and chase it.