Nostalgia’s Color Palette

Many think that life seems to stop when autumn arrives.
Trees lack chlorophyll, being refused their daily routine, draining leaves of their defining shade.
Animals compete over a depletion of food before retreating into a budgeted allotment of
hibernation dens.
The freedom and naïve bliss of the summer months quickly flee with the alarms of class bells
and school bus horns.
From warm days of rushing water and rolling green hills, what once was comes to a halting stop
come September, as days shorten, light dims and life pauses.

Many think that life as we know it cannot coexist with the autumnal equinox.

I prefer to believe that life starts all over again when the air crisps in the fall.

Once emerald leaves depend on alternate nutrients, displaying nostalgia’s color palette,
teaching that sometimes change can be beautiful.
Creatures that spend every waking moment defined as either monster or prey finally take time
to rest, showing that, despite differences, we all need the same basic renewal.
School years reset; each student earns a new label, buses fill with laughter, and course names
make the first mark on a blank whiteboard, displaying that- whoever you are- you can always
start over again.

It’s all in your perspective.

About the author

Margo Halbleib is a sophomore majoring in Peace, Justice, and Conflict Studies with a minor in Music business