Friday, November 7, 2008

A last few golden leaves



This crazy little volunteer maple tree behind my garage hung on to her leaves longer than any other tree in the yard. Thursday afternoon she was illuminated with a sunset that broke through the daylong rainy cloud cover, just for a few minutes. I admired the tree's health -- supposedly, the stronger the tree, the longer the leaves hang on. This tree was just out there thumping, being busy being a smacking young tree, being optimistic and vital.

Sign of the times?

I've been teaching Aristotle's Metaphysics this week, and the formula "being busy being human" for expressing the essence of human life has been rattling around in my brain. I think our country is fulfilling the Aristotelian formula: being busy being human, being political animals, and creating a fresh future for ourselves. Good times, and have a wonderful weekend!!

3 comments:

Grey Horse Matters said...

We could all take a lesson from this optimistic little tree that will come back next year even bigger and brighter. Looking at the sunny golden colors of the leaves should give us all hope for the future. Have a great weekend.

3pennyjane said...

The light at this time of year is perfect for making the trees look ultra-dramatic; nature is crafty that way, isn't she?

I wonder how long it will be before I stop being ambushed by joy at the last week's events. I keep tearing up at the oddest moments.

Flying Lily said...

GreyHorse: You're right - next year will be even better!

3pennyjane: Same here. I can't even bring up the subject in conversation because I start getting choked up. In one of my classes late last week I just began by saying "The long presidential campaign is over now, thank goodness...." and then had to turn to the blackboard and write something unnecessary, just to get some time. Glory be.