Without Warning

It must have snowed all night

I pushed the snow away from my tent door and could not believe my eyes. What only yesterday was a landscape of red, yellow, and orange was now nothing but white. White, as far as I could see.

Most of the leaves must have fallen from the weight of the snow and then were covered over, leaving no trace of autumn behind. The snow gently fluttered around my face as I peered out in disbelief. I blinked the snowflakes away from my eyelids and stepped out gently into the soft mounds of pure white surrounding my tent. I was slow and ever so careful. Stepping gently, first one boot, then another, trying not to disturb the powdery perfection of all that surrounded me.

I had dressed warmer than usual, as it had been unseasonably cold as I set out on my annual hiking trip. Every year, I ventured out to experience the fragile beauty of autumn. I did not realize how fragile until now. Is this what a blizzard looks like? But there was no wind, only silence and beautiful giant snowflakes. One flake was quickly followed by another, floating in midair until she gently joined the rest of her sisters on the white beauty below.

Strangely, at that moment, I didn’t miss the autumn leaves or mind the cold in this winter wonderland. I was struck by the silence, the beauty, and the thought of how, without warning, seasons and life can change.