Wildfire

Entering the death season

Another major fire swept through the forest on the outskirts of our tiny town last month. Yesterday, I took my first walk on one of my favorite trails. I know this path intimately — it’s my go-to for hiking, running, and snowshoeing. It passes directly through a stretch of the burned area.

The encounter took my breath away.

Look at the hidden face in the blackened bark, with tears of sap falling down.

Look at the calico of changing quaking aspens standing amongst the burned.

Look at the green sprouts that have already sprung up at the base of charred trees.

Look, look at the irrefutable power and glory of Change.

Let us behold Nature in all Her forms and stages. This is the Death Season, after all.

As we enter autumn, many images arise to celebrate or at least support this change.

Perhaps you have a Death occurring, too. I know I do.

Can you embrace it, see through new eyes?

Through the heart, broken as it is?

Admit the beauty of tragedy and loss.

This — this honesty — is the Healer.