In Autumn’s Glow

I began writing this as a seasonal song, something to follow my three Halloween pieces, a reflection on November, the end of autumn, and the quiet preparation for winter. But as I wrote, a memory surfaced.

Years ago, my not-yet-husband and I were walking briskly on a beautiful spring day when we came up behind an elderly couple, strolling hand in hand. We slowed our pace, not wanting to pass them. My husband leaned in and whispered, “That will be us someday.”

I smiled and then imagined a future where we’d walk that same path, still bundled in our winter coats, and a young couple might see us and say, “That will be us someday.”

This song is dedicated to him, and to all couples, young and old. Cherish each other. Savor every season. And most of all, plan for winter.

Verse
It was in Springtime, I recall
When both of us were young
We strolled together hand in hand
Telling jokes and making plans

Chorus
The winds of Spring
The heat of Summer
Make way for Autumn’s glow
When Autumn quits be ready
For Winter’s cold and snow

Verse
That very day we saw them
A couple holding hands
Bundled up in woolen scarves
Like Winter still had plans

Verse
We saw the silver in their hair
The wrinkles on their brows
You said “That will be us someday”
But we’d yet to take our vows

Bridge
Now Autumn is upon us
And yes, we’re not so young
We laugh, we stroll, we still hold hands
While telling jokes and making plans

Outro
We’ve had our Spring and Summer
We’re now in Autumn’s gold
We set our path out long ago
Prepared for Winter’s cold
So if you’re walking hand in hand
In the Springtime of your love
Don’t just plan for Summer 
Or count the stars above
Plant your roots in fertile soil
And give them room between
Build a fire, keep it tended
For Winter comes unseen