September is a month that is close to my heart ! No, not just because I was born in September but also because it is a month that holds for me wistful memories … and every academic year I find myself teaching one of my favourite poems … “To Autumn” by John Keats during this time. Such a coincidence … or may be it is an unconscious choice ! John Keats, in writing To Autumn, epitomizes the Romantic notion that “Nature is a pervading force which provides careful observers with powerful learning experience”. Autumn is a season of change, of dying leaves and abundant harvests, of chilly nights and glorious days. Keats’ poem celebrates the bounty and barrenness in this season. Even in places where the landscape stays much the same year-round, as in our country, autumn is a time of change and introspection. It’s a time of endings – and new beginnings.
Indeed … and this year I have experienced it myself !
There is a dead tree in my College backyard. It stands out starkly among the lush foliage surrounding it. I caught its reflection in the pool. Water nurtures ... and this year it has come back to life ... metaphorically ! A family of herons has chosen the dead tree to nest. I am intrigued why they chose this one over all the others ! I am not sure whether these are herons ... however these are not local birds, most probably they have migrated from somewhere. They will fly away one day but for the present I am absolutely delighted to have them roosting in my backyard !
