September 27, 1857

Small red maples in low ground

Have fairly begun to burn for a week.

It varies from scarlet to crimson.

It looks like training day in the meadows and swamps.

They have run up their colors.

A small red maple has grown,

Perchance far away on some moist hillside,

A mile from any road, unobserved.

It has faithfully discharged the duties of a maple there,

All winter and summer,

Neglected none of its economies,

Added to its stature

In the virtue which belongs to a maple,

By a steady growth all summer,

And is nearer heaven than in the spring.

- H.D. Thoreau

Have a wonderful week! Love, Linda