At one with nature

It’s an exciting time of year, the beginning of autumn. Golden hues of reds and russet browns fill the ever-changing landscape. Warn us winter is coming. It’s this time of year I look forward to the most, for it’s when I explore the countryside for those beautiful shells, expelled by their lofty, well-loved guardians. Those not so spiky green pods that keep tight hold of their secrets, until ready to share their innermost beauty.

They make no obvious sound. Have no obvious smell. Bitter tasting, they are poisonous to eat and yet when they emerge; beauty really does spring eternal. Spherical shaped, mahogany fruit. Their shine. The smoothness of their skin. Their elegance, surpasses all other rivals. Unchallenged by nature herself, they surely make my heart melt.

I keep them for a while. Place them in a glass bowl, but their colour dulls. Their once shiny shell appears lifeless, so discarded over time. Sad, but true. Until once again I look forward to the start of autumn, when I will scour the fields; the road sides and the woodlands, until I find that much coveted prize. The beautiful conker.