I worried beetles
crept in the mulch
& feared the falling leaves
red fire.

I wanted more from summer
than gourds & pumkins,
stubbled fields & indian corn.

I wasted myself dreaming
of warm nights,
of crickets singing to the stars.

Until the darkness of change
passed & instead of tears
for faded green, I rejoiced
in yellow;
looked forward to black fingers,
frosted white,
waving in the bitter wind.

I looked again today at the sand castle photographs Melina sent me. The scene was so beautiful, Kasinonranta at sunset. The water looked so still, the kids as calm, proud of their work. It touched me deeply, sparking scenes from the past three years. Finnish beauty is so wispy; it shines from a sudden freshness of clean lines and disappears like a startled rabbit.

Earlier today, driving into town, the crisp Fall sky over Annapolis perfectly complemented the still-vibrant trees and red brick skyline. Dockside, boatshow pennants fluttered in the sun; the harbor was a forest of masts. It, too, was beautiful. The Cornhill Street houses blazed in a multitude of colors, like festive old ladies out for a day on the town.

Peace is everywhere; distraction, too. May I always seek peace.