"AUTUMN'S ARRIVAL: THE RED LEAF DIARIES"

I watch in awe as others catch a lift on a cool breeze drifting aimlessly to the soft bed of grass far below. It's seems such a long way down but I know that once I get there I'll be reunited with many a familiar face. My siblings wait in angst, some hanging by the thread of life, for the very moment they too will join the rest of our extended family. By following in their footsteps they're finally able to fulfill their destiny.

My neighbours, the Oaks, Birches, Elms and Ashes have made a stunning impression on me. As their warm hues of bright yellows, deep oranges and blazing reds consume the landscape. Filling it with layers of colour amongst a green backdrop holding on as long as they can before the moment of truth occurs at 5:18 p.m.. Its significance marks the arrival of a new and exciting season and the departure of an old one.

Watching from high above I can't help but notice some of my family members landing in the clear stream adjacent to their home. The bubbling water trickles over the rocks exposing colourful leaves that have hitched a ride, flowing their way down through the trees as they disappear out of sight. One can only wonder what adventures they've embarked on as their ancestors have before them.

While others blanket themselves around the park bench below. They're huddled close together like a tightly knit sweater wrapping itself around the rickety old wood, keeping it warm during the long crisp autumn nights. The aging foot bridge is paved with leaves, some flattened by the rain, others by traffic. A leaf teeters on the edge of the rail until a gust of wind decides it is time to surrender to the rushing water below. Others follow with hopes of fulfilling their dream.

Suddenly warmth begins to fill my veins gradually making its way around the outer edges displaying the first sign that my moment to shine is drawing near. I don't even recognize myself anymore. What was once a subtle change has consumed my entire body. I have served my purpose and the time has come to move on.

I feel myself letting go, breaking free from my branch. It's been my source of nourishment and protection for the last six months. And just like an overprotective parent my family tree has come to the realization that it too must set me free. I slowly flutter to the ground gently swaying back and forth as if executing the most graceful Viennese Waltz. Many branches are almost barren indicating more of us have taken the plunge. I can't help but smile to myself as I continue to drift at the mercy of the wind. I notice my friends. Some of which are making the same journey alongside me while others await their turn. The delay is but a short one for the time will come when each of us must fall.

Hundreds of leaves in various shapes, sizes and colours cascading from the trees are suspended in mid-air for a brief moment. In slow motion they appear to twist, turn, spiral and curl as they're carried off by a gust of wind all too eager to whisk them into a new world.

It's time to turn over a new leaf (a maple leaf that is!) for autumn has finally arrived. Now it's my time to shine!