Shine

Cabernet in candlelight. Wet terra cotta. A sprinkling of cumin. Henna on the palm of a bride. These are the colors I see driving east on state highway 412, as the leaves come out of the chlorophyll closet of summer to show who they really are. Their good work is done, and the trees stand stronger and taller and deeper because of it.

I know that the colors I see today won't be here next time I drive this way. The leaves will return to the earth, and new ones will grow in their places. But now, at this golden hour, they are cabernet and terra cotta and cumin and henna. And man, do they shine.

We all shine in due time.