By Elaine Gu, Class of 2029, Honorable Mention of “The Roar”‘s Middle School Fall Writing Contest!
Fall. A truly beautiful season. Heaps of golden brown and cascades of red flutter towards the earth. The slight autumn breeze chills my bones. The ground becomes a glittering galaxy made up of red and mahogany. Delicate pine needles crack under my every step. Autumn’s warm embrace caresses every delighted being. From the churning river to the whispers of the wind, autumn’s welcoming is a gift to all.
I let out an exhilarated laugh, a grin etched across my face. Zinnias, the only sign of summer’s slipping innocence, brushes against my ankles as I run through the forest. The clear, cerulean sky looms overhead, an endless trail of serene calm. A blanket of peaceful bliss is woven overhead. Solitary blue atoms sail peacefully over the cordial sky. Warmth shines down, sunlight beaming on us. A vast, jagged-peaked mountain thrives not much farther, and behind that is where birdsong greeted dawn, in the far horizon. Bristled evergreens sway gently in the wind. Soft squeaks and chirps ring out of the clearing, surrounded by smooth, slick stone. The aroma of mint drifts around, morning dew sliding down leaves dipped in a glossy hue. Melodious chirps ring out into the world. I watch in utter amazement as green shifts to red, and red shifts to brown. I take in the aroma of the crisp fall air, my eyes involuntarily closing in contentment as the zephyrs whistle and press against me.
The crystalline ripples across the lake gleam under the now high sun. Sunlight peeks through the slivers between the trees, illuminating a path full of life in front of me. Little organisms preparing for their hibernation.
Nature’s beauty takes my breath away, as precious as gold in every single way. I skip through a meadow of poppies and asters. Wispy clouds frolick about in the sky as I wander aimlessly amongst the forest. I indulge in the warmth gifted so generously to all the organisms in the world. Layers of crimson, burgundy, and velvety maroon are scattered amongst the earth. I kneel down and prop out my picnic blanket. My hand brushes against a fresh honeycrisp apple.
I pick up the apple. I envelope the snappy texture in my lips, its sweet tartness filling my jaw. Its juicy, aromatic taste cherished by every single taste bud. They tingle as if delighted as the delicate honey-sweet balance adorn my tongue with flavors discovered never before. I caress the piece of honeycrisp apple in my lips and let it slide down my throat, regretfully as if saying goodbye to a friend.
I lift a piece of pumpkin pie. Its spiced, custard filling decorate the slice. As I bite into it, it’s hard to believe I’m not in heaven. The cinnamon’s rich flavor bursts, the lovely sweetness providing a longing feeling for home. The traces of nutmeg tickle my ecstatic tongue. Hints of clove and ginger paint a whole new dimension. The nutmeg’s even sweeter flavor only adds to the blissful experience. I sigh as the aromatic flavors tend to my tongue. As the piece of pumpkin pie slowly vanishes into my lips, greed surges through me.
I sit there longing for more, grasping for another delicacy that simply isn’t there. Distress drags me into the dark abyss of disappointment as I silently plead for more.
Revolt for myself shoots through me as I silently curse myself. Thanksgiving is a time for expressing gratitude for others, not for wishing for more. My eyes flit to my watch as I hesitantly touch it. I nearly slap myself when I see the time: 4:36 PM. Adrenaline now coursing through my veins, I scramble upwards and hastily fold my picnic blanket. I stuffed it into my now empty basket and began to bolt back home.
The chatters and yelps of several forest creatures are faraway whispers to my urgent body. I race towards my house, my heart nearly jumping out of my chest. My feet cause satisfying cracking sounds as they crush the autumn leaves that form a river upon the earth.
Finally, far in the horizon, cascades of violet and rivers of magenta signify evening’s entrance. The sun slowly sets, nebulas and roses in the sky painted as an ocean of ombre, fuschia, sangria, vermillion, and chartreuse. I take one moment to enjoy this moment of fleeting beauty before hurrying inside.
Aromas of fresh, well-cooked food cause drool to run down my lips. I bound inside and organize the dinner table, the clatter of silverware hurriedly being arranged resounding throughout the room.
As the food is set down on the table, I wait for everyone to settle down. We tell each other what we’re grateful for. I announce to everyone how I was so grateful for my family and friends. It was simply not adequate. There is so much to be grateful for: from your friends to transportation, from transportation to electricity, from eyes and hands to shelter, food, and water. Even the small acts of kindness that people spread.
As we dig into the food, I eagerly devour some candied yams. They are soft and cooked well, with light spices that enhance the flavor of the yams. I spoon some buttermilk spoon bread and begin to enjoy the soufflé-like dessert. I caress the light, savory texture in my mouth. As the sweet-tangy flavor coats my tongue, I enjoy the pudding-like texture. Finally, I cut off a piece of turkey. Garlic, butter, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and even more spices mix in my mouth as I chew the plump, well-cooked turkey. I let out a great sigh and lean back.
Fall is truly a beautiful season.
The Roar 