Shedding

“I want to take my time

in October, I want to slow my steps.”

The above lines are the opening to my poem “Shedding,” which I wrote last October. “Shedding” was later published in “The Best of the Burlington Writers Workshop 2013 Anthology” and subsequently re-printed by The Burlington Free Press.  At the time that I wrote this piece, I was working hard to organize Vermont’s largest outdoor theater production: The Haunted Forest. I had a blast playing with volunteers and watching the show come “alive” (rise from the grave?), but I longed for the slow contemplation of autumn. I took small pauses in my busy days to breathe in the crisp air and to watch the leaves turn color. I wanted more. I wanted to be a full participant in autumn by spending my time observing nature. 2013 is a very different year. I have moved across the country to be with my partner and am working part time with Georgia Perimeter College’s tutoring center until I line up additional opportunities. I am preparing applications to MFA programs one step at a time. I am settling into a home living with the person I love. And I am watching the leaves still turn, albeit, a little later than they do in Vermont. Today, I am living life more slowly.

Happy October, everyone. May you find some peace and contemplation this month, even if your life is hectic. For the millions of you whose paychecks have been cut off by this week’s Government Shut Down, take extra special care of yourselves. Breathe. Enjoy the time off. I challenge each of us to find one small way to honor the changing of seasons today; ideally, this will involve doing something in which you take deep pleasure.