SOTC 343/365

Closing out summer 2019 like...

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Right on Time

As a photographer, my knowledge of seasonal timelines is pretty good. I know that the tulips poke their noses through the earth by Spring Break always; that they'll be in full bloom by the beginning of May. I know the canola is at its best right in the middle of July. I know that November sunrises align well with my morning routine (and they are specTACular!).

And I know that autumn in Edmonton generally reaches its peak in the last week of September.

With not one--but two--snowfalls before the autumnal equinox, I thought for sure that any colour left after so many trees had lost still-green leaves would be a very short sight indeed. And since September is my busiest month work-wise anyway, I wasn't paying much attention.

But today I had a different commute than usual--one that took me over the river valley--and I could not help but catch sight of the colours.

Turns out autumn showed up right on time.

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Just a summer morning in Saskatchewan...

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Out to the Very Edge

I come down the shadowed trail
and into the clearing.
The sky and my lungs open in tandem.

The view is breathtaking even from the trail--
still, it beckons me forward.

You want the best I have to offer?
Come out to the very edge.

It is a thin space between the edge
and the place where gravity reminds you
how unforgiving it is.

The edge deserves my respect;
requires confidence with care.

Calculated steps.

My heart beats a touch faster.
I move from standing to crouching,
tightening my centre of gravity,
hands and feet now moving
together
over the rough stone

Equal parts terrifying and exhilarating

Towards the precipice
where
I gingerly sit myself down,
bring my legs out in front of me--

And I am above the traffic,
above the river;
above even most birds
busy breakfasting in the trees.

(c) Photos by Gina

Come out to the very edge;
see the best I have to offer;

The wind swirls around me
but
my heartbeat settles

I remember that
I accepted the invitation into this moment
and this space

And it is from here that
I can take in the clarity of the landscape before me
and the bright light
of a new day

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