As I walk out the door, the smell of fallen leaves greets my nostrils, and they flare with pleasure. My ears hear the wind gliding through the trees, and I envision the trees bare, as they will soon be. My heart feels light, for this is my favorite season and my step reflects this as I skip when I walk through the fallen leaves. The sun plays games with the shadows on my face and they dart in and about my features defining my nose and lips. My eyes squint for the reflection of the sunshine upon the golden array of colors is bright and overwhelming. Power envelopes my feet, for as I step the leaves give way under the dead weight of my foot. My hands are hidden down deep in my pockets, and they search the depths for pieces of paper and lint lingering from the last wash. They encounter a penny and finger it rolling it around and around in its tiny space. They also encounter a round bit of sweetness. I play with taking off the wrapper, and the synthetic music much resembles the crackling of the leaves on the ground. The friendly greeting that surrounds my tongue sends chills of warmth to my body and the syrupy sweetness gladdens my tongue so I sing out. This is where I feel alive; out with the pulsing wind and the screeching leaves. I thrive upon nature. Just as nature preys upon me. My favorite time of the year is autumn. The smell of wood smoke, the crackling of the leaves. The wind pulsing in my face and tossing my hair with its every breath. I am content to be alone, thinking of my life and my past. As I walk up this secluded road into my future, I am happy in believing there is one. I feel alive, and that is the most important step to survival. n