Kat; I love your lyrical imagry. Autumn has always been my favorite time of year; subtle olfactory cues like the pungent fermentation of forest floor detrius mingled with a heady sweet fragrance from who knows where... the twittering of little birds and woodland creatures blending with the whisper of oncoming winter through the boughs and branches overhead, in a soft symphony... a requium to Summer? All this ressurects fond memories of the late hike, the hunt (gave it up years ago - not only am I too soft-hearted to shoot a critter, excepting perhaps a rat - but I was always really lousy at it)... I used to cradle my shotgun in the crook of my elbow, while my black Lab panted by my side, and inhale deeply of the forest's perfume. It is so sweetly intoxicating!
Dharmab: Did you write that Hiaku? (That IS Hiaku, isn't it?) Is it put to music yet? When the geese come over our town, they sound like dogs barking - and our 2 little Yorkie-Poos ("Trooper" the lab has long since crossed over) go ballistic! Was a time in youth when I yearned so to go with the wild geese.... but now I just watch them go and bid them Godspeed.
Uncle J., Maine