Ruffled Feathers

The wind blows and moves the hair on my face. The lake is peaceful, as we sit holding hands. There are no boats, no fishermen, and no screaming kids anywhere near us. The air is crisp and cool. My sweater clings to me in the breeze. This place seems so empty in the fall.

It's quiet here. The silence makes my mind wander. Everything moves slowly through my mind. My thoughts seem to dance like the geese maneuvering on the pond. They are so graceful and free. Everything around me seems to be moving freely. No chains, no pain, nothing holding anything down.

The leaves rustle in the breeze. Then silence is surrounding us again. It's only a matter of minutes before the breeze picks up again. I indulge myself in the sounds of the autumn wind. It's as if the wind has a mind of its own. It whispers all the autumn secrets in my ear and I am pleased to share them. I can remember just two weeks ago. All the noise from the children chasing the geese, the motors of boats filling the air with the noisy buzz, the chatter of couples having picnics, all are gone now. The air is too brisk for such fun. Only silence surrounds us now.

Our feet dangle in the water. It's cold. The water is calm. The boats no longer move the lake with their distracting motors. The adults and children no longer swim. The fish no longer scurry away from the flailing arms and legs. The water no longer stirs. It's as if the water is sleeping. Waiting for summer to wake it up again. I love it when the water sleeps.

The air smells dreary. It contains the faint scent of drying leaves. This is the only time of year the scent of the leaves is so apparent. The smell of food being cooked on the grill has long since faded with the summer sun. I breathe in deeply. The scent of the lake, the fish, and the dirt all combine. It is my favorite smell.

This place is so empty. I can see the ghosts of summer in my mind. The little girl with the pink tank top chasing her brother for the ball is gone. She exists in this place only on hot summer days. For now, it is only the two of us. The lake water ripples with the breeze. I wonder why no one likes to come here in the fall. The lake is so beautiful in the fall. The orange, red, and yellow trees are reflected in the peaceful water. The sight takes my breath away.

There is the breeze again. My companion pulls me closer to his side. It is as