AUTUMN MUSINGS

Susan McCloud THE JOY WITHIN ME

After a long, strange summer, autumn is slowly spreading the splendor of her quiet beauty-- not only in the mountains, but here on the valley floor. On Center Street, when I am out watering or working with my flowers, people pass--walking dogs, or walking their children. There is a quiet peace and comradeship as we greet one another. Most of the people pause to look at the gruesome faces on our tall old trees--Halloween creatures left over from last year, but the children love them, and beg to be held up to touch them. Many lovely parents and children whom I do not know spend long make-believe moments there. PUMPKINS, and yellow leaves, and a slow growing toward Halloween night.