Sunday, October 9, 2022

For the times they are a-changin' (tree-following)

Autumn is hardly as revolutionary as the Sixties, but Dylan's words still come to mind as nights lengthen, days cool, the outdoors goes silent except for the wind, and even the wind itself is waning. In the midst of all this downturn is a brilliant exception—leaf color. Instead of greenery, which we enjoy but mostly take for granted, we are bombarded by yellows, oranges, and reds. It helps!

Three weeks ago I checked the grove where the tree I'm following grows, and found signs of what was to come.

September 19.
By last week, colors had changed, maybe not dramatically but enough to be therapeutic. I stood unwound beneath the sky, listening to leaves in a breeze I couldn't feel. To such things, this is the season.
October 6.
Among poplars.
The old balsam poplar I'm following now wears an orange crown.

Note

Bob Dylan intended this song to be a commentary on the great social changes of the times (released in 1964). It would become an anthem of sorts, widely used as a song of protest. It was one of two Dylan tunes on the Byrds' second album, the apt title track being Turn Turn Turn—To Everything There is a Season (written by Pete Seeger). The other Dylan track was Lay Down Your Weary Tune.

Tree-followers are currently gathering, as they do each month. For news of trees on both sides of the Atlantic, check this site kindly hosted by The Squirrelbasket. Do you feel the urge? To join us, learn more here.

6 comments:

  1. What beautiful golden Autumnal colours!

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  2. Yes, so true...the words and the insights. Things are happening fast around here, too. Happy autumn!

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  3. It's good to see tree leaves changing colour at this time of year. xx

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  4. Beautiful indeed, the photos but writing too. I will try to remember which tree i had chosen years ago, it might time to look at again. Thank you for posting

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  5. Hello blog friends, sorry to be late in responding, I was hit by a nasty flu (but not covid!!). Thanks for reading and for your comments. Beth and Jozien, I'm glad you also enjoy the poet's words and thoughts. And Jozien, I hope you will join us again, it would be great to hear news from the Yukon :)

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  6. Hi Hollis, I am glad you are feeling better again. I will try to write a bit every morning and read. The community thing is important yes, and i realize not as easy as on fb:) Any suggestion are welcome.

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