A Shared Instinct

What a busy bike path and a snake have to do with Autumn

Autumn’s Fleeting Warmth

There is something especially wonderful about a warm afternoon in autumn. As the leaves fall, they become increasingly rare. In the greater Denver area, it recently peaked into the 70’s at midday. An instance I opted to take advantage of, and head off on a ride along my local path. It winds along a flowing creek, and hearing my tires croushing through the leaves that cover it put me at a lively ease. I was not alone, it seemed like everyone was also aiming to take full advantage of the warmth (as they should). Passing walkers, runners, and occasionally being passed by my fellow cyclists.

Going further, I reached a point where the crowd finally became sparse. But I still came to a full stop mid ride. Because I came across something I was not ready to pass so casually.

It was a young bull snake, which lay stretched out along the path. It’s full length, barely reaching out a quarter or so across. Yet perpendicular to the flow of traffic, so she positioned her time in the sun to also be time in danger. For her, it was worth it. The late day heat, what remained of it, was much welcomed. The mornings now routinely frosty, trending into November, they should be. This was her opportunity to take in the warmth she needed.

I stood with her, allowing the moment and other cyclists to pass. Giving her some reprieve from the risk. A less aware rider would pay no attention, and the young reptile would have ultimately paid the price. The occasional flick of her forked tongue let me know she was keen to my presence. Once she decided it was time to move, I offered some encouragement so she could retreat to the safety of the grass with a little more haste.

Much like the rest of us, she would look for any chance to return to the warmth of the sun. And for as many chances after where the heat would be available. The final scramble of the year that moves toward shorten days and colder temperatures. That every last bit of the sun’s rays must not be taken for granted. We are all just like the young snake, holding on to the waning daylight, hoping to get out into one more warm day. Before the cold sets in fully, and we feel the need to recede indoors. For all the majesty and splendor of autumn, it is a time of impermanence.

It is noticed first in the trees. Whose branches were once lush green, are recognized for their transcendent chance to oranges, golds and reds. The colors reach their peak brilliance and it lasts a few succinct days at best, and it is gone without much notice. The coming of the first hard freeze, a strong gust of wind, the leaves will fall. Some before they reach the apex of their color. Relegated without being admired. The branches, once a display of vivid tones, become bare.

The activity of the animals goes from fervor to quiescence. The need for self-preservation makes taking such risks of laying across the warm path, in dangers way, a worthwhile gamble. Others going further for food, to find adequate dwellings to take residence in with the coming bitter air. Even to venture to warmer climes, the passing activity stretching hundreds or thousands of miles ending with winter’s rest. Regardless of the call, it is answered with action, and concluded with an extended respite.

Those Autumn days are not to be squandered. Because even the sun hopes to provide relief from the biting chill. You can see it as the light stretches itself long, and thin. Fighting against the hasty withdrawal behind the horizon. Giving way to darkness, one that quickens its pace with the march toward winter. It offers as much as it can with each passing day.

As the light fades, so does the hustle. We see the energy begin to wane, sometimes out of necessity. Pulling our focus and energy inside as we prepare for the dark. The action shifts, to that of necessity. It can feel as though time in the sun becomes less so, with the need for protection from the elements becoming a prerequisite for any venture. And yet, with the colder days should come a stronger compulsion to get out and feel the warmth of the sun.

Knowing full well, they won’t last.