Autumn Calling*
Yes, I know the calendar says August (and barely, at that), but the wheel of the year continues to turn. Over the last few days I've begun to notice the slow but inexorable signs of autumn approaching. Though the air remains thick, and hot, every now and then I catch the tiniest of breezes, laden with the scent of the first turning leaves. The Earth seems to sigh, hot and weary, slowly beginning the process of readying Herself for the winter rest to come. Leaves have begun dr