Death in My Front Yard

Mother Nature has committed a cruel act, right in my front yard. With one move of her icy hand, she has caused my beautiful plants to wither, shrinking away, along with the warmth of the summer sun. While at my writer's group this past Friday, several people mentioned how they loved the fall and all it's colors. I responded, "Well, all I see are my beautiful plants dying! Who could find beauty in that?" I tend them, giving water, fertilizer, lots of sun and TLC, and then, inevitably, they are given a death sentence. When I finally realized my connection to the loss of my flowers to the dislike of the onset of fall, it was a major realization for me. I bring in as many as I can, trying to prolong their demise. Last fall I saved a pepper plant, keeping it on my counter the entire winter, watching as it began to bloom and sprout peppers in late February. What a great thing to have happen during the dreary days filled with snow, knowing spring was still months away! This year, it's the cosmos that Erica grew from seeds in her pre-k class this spring. I just can't stand to see them die - it's not their fault! They have just started to really bloom, just like the moss rose. But, sadly, I cannot bring them all in, nor can I stop Mother Nature from causing their death. All I can do is accept the inevitable, put on my sweater, and start planning for next year!