The anti-Demeter

The perfect east/west alignment of Lincoln Park, picture taken from the east side. That's the Mary McLeod Bethune sculpture, behind it the Lincoln, and beyond that, eleven blocks away, the U.S. Capitol.

In a few weeks when the leaves drop, the dome of the Capitol will be visible from the place where I took this picture. I love it when the canopy falls. All of a sudden the sky is open again. In summer, tree shade is beautiful and cooling, but I am not a creature who dwells easily on the forest floor. I like being able to see the sky.

Yesterday I washed long-sleeved shirts and turtlenecks, trousers, put away my tank tops and shorts. Though I have no doubt we'll see a few more warm days, the truth is, summer has worn itself out, or perhaps the season is now on the move to the other side of the equator where it will be more at home for the next six months. I bid it a courteous farewell.

Because I am sensitive - too-sensitive (as my parents always said) - I shouldn't be surprised when I'm overwhelmed by the roaring life force that accompanies spring and summer here. I've learned to tolerate it a bit better than when I first arrived more than a decade ago, but it still knocks me off my feet. A swamp is a fecund, fertile landscape, whew!

In fall everything quiets down except the traffic and the crows. I can hear myself think! Ahhh, I love fall.


Looks like someone skiied the clouds above Eastern Market.