A Beginning and End
Thesis: There is a reason for all seasons, two of which are spring with its new
beginning and autumn with its incipient decline.
I. Spring
A. Daylight
B. Gardens
C. Insects
D. Color
E. Nests
F. Migratory birds
G. Coats of animals
H. Rain
II. Autumn
A. Daylight
B. Gardens
C. Insects
D. Color
E. Nests
F. Migratory birds
G. Coats of animals
H. Rain
Each change and occurence that takes place during each season is so important to the
outcome of the next, because the seasons are all entwined. The activities which are
common to each season have a profound effect on the cycle of plant and animal life.
There is a reason for all seasons, two of which are spring with its new beginning and
autumn with its incipient decline.
Mother nature wakes after a long restful sleep, stands, claps her hands, and calls
spring to attention because this is the time of reawakening, a sudden surprising
emergence after a period of concealed existence. I rise early because the days are
becoming longer now. As I walk and explore this new morning, I cannot help but notice
the activity that surrounds me. Gardens are being tilled and planted for the ground is
warm and will soon break with sprouts of future bounty. Butterflies of every color are
seen flittering and fluttering, while insects of all kinds are heard buzzing and humming.
Butterfly and insects eagerly emerge from their winter homes intent on the tasks which
lie ahead. The landscape is a palette of every shade of green imagineable. Before my
very eyes, a kaleidoscope of colors splash the horizon as buds, leaves, and blossoms
spring forth and pollen fills the air. The nests of foul, squirrel, and other animals
are busy with activity for they are full with their young. Droves of geese and other
migratory birds flying in formation are seen and heard returning to spring's warmer
weather. Furry, feathery, and slimy creatures have begun shedding their heavier coats as
they, too, prepare for the warmer temperatures. The intermittent spring showers
encourage the abundant new growth of iris, narcissus, tulips, and daffodils.
Months later, as I gaze out my window I notice the transformation that is now taking
place. What was once warm, bustling, and fresh has become cool, calm, and wilted.
There is a stillness in the air as autumn appears. It is as if mother nature sat,
stretched her arms, and yawned, announcing the time has come for a much needed rest. The
nights are longer which makes it harder to wake. As I stand at the window I cannot help
but notice the calmness that surrounds me. The change is apparent as activity slows
because this is the time of full maturity. Ravished fields and gardens are left to
wither away as the final harvesting comes to an end. The abundance of blooms have
diminished so pollen becomes less evident. The hives of wasps and bees are made ready
for the winter rest. Evidence of cocoons (future caterpillars and butterflies) are seen
on tree trunks and eaves. Leaves cover cars, roof tops, and the ground like a blanket of
snow, as trees and plants shed their leaves. The predominate mixtures of brown, gray,
and evergreen are everywhere. Acorns and other seeds are shed, providing food for a
multitude of animals. Mother nature distributes the remaining seeds among her fields and
her forests for the future growth of plants and trees. Nests are now empty of their
young. The migratory foul take flight in their V-shaped formation in search of a warmer
climate. Furry and feathery creatures have now replaced their spring attire with fuller,
heavier coats and feathers. Less rain falls since less is needed. The excitement
diminishes as the preparation of rest takes place.
Many events have taken place throughout the year, some obvious and some never
acknowledged, but all are remarkable. The changing of the seasons are many: a new
beginning for every living thing to be fruitful and multiply, a time for nourishment of
both soil and its reapers, and a time for rest because tomorrow is yet another beginning
and end.
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