Fallen.

A collection of things around the yard that have been inspired by fall. Hibiscus blooms which have faded from freshness. Mother plucked them from the tree setting on the back porch and tossed them into the yard. They are so beautiful all dressed alike with their hair done up the same. She used to grow these in the winter when I was little and recently she has re-established the tradition.

A bird's feather has floated down to the lie perfectly on the brick of our back walkway. The shadow of lines of its sharp edges, it seems impossible that they are projected from such a soft object.

The crab apples have fallen everywhere. Including into the well-established birdbath.

That old ugly walnut tree: always the last to get its leaves and the first to drop them. Its bitter fruit poisons all the other plants around it. Yet we do enjoy its shade and stature so it stays.

The apples. Oh, the apple trees. They were planted some fourteen years ago when we moved here. The purchase included a the bit of land that was part of the surrounding field. Dad established it as ours by tilling it up with any instrument he had, which was in fact our family's station wagon and an old bed spring. That was a sight. Shortly after a fresh crop of grass had established itself, my mother began her garden, and four dwarf apple trees where planted at the very corner of the property. Three remain and are bearing fruit. They have been joined by good establishment of grapes and a few live trees of Christmas past. (Mom and Dad get the kind in pot and plant them when the ground allows.)

On an entirely separate note: a bat just flew into my upstairs living room, circled and went back out the door from wens it came. Excitement.