Aspen leaves are shimmering in the morning sun,
As gentle breezes whisper of summer’s work almost done.
There is a feel of autumn, then winter in the air,
As the beavers stock up their food supply with care.
Eagles and hawks are feasting on mice and moles.
Before the deep snows cover up their holes.
Trout in the creeks are gorging on everything coming their way.
Fattening up against the ice and a much leaner day.
Deer and elk are feeding on the waning grass of meadows and glen,
For they know winter will soon come blowing in.
Soon the grasses and seeds that are food will be gone,
As the mice and birds wake up to a wintery dawn.
The squirrels and chipmunks are also busy today,
Gathering up pine cones, nuts and berries and storing them away.
All the animal kingdom and nature and man too,
Are preparing for wintery gray clouds instead of skies of blue.
As for today, we’ll all enjoy the breezes
And soak up the sunshine,
For soon the aspen leaves will be gone
And snow will cover the pine.
Kenosa Pass, Colorado August 20, 1984
