Leading Lady
November 17, 2011 
Whereas all of the others had lost their color - she remained. The last one standing.
Solid and rooted in the ground beneath her. Limbs reaching and stretching..offering up her energy and grace. Even in the grey and cold and damp and rain..she endured. A one singular final bright light.
I couldn't help but wonder. From where it was that she got her strength? Her beauty? How it is that she stood so full of color..while those around her were so clearly fading in the night?
I wondered about what sustains us. I wondered about the beauty of long life. I wondered what lessons I might take and learn from this leading lady..and this last flicker of autumn's hues.
Tomorrow - she'll have all but disappeared. She'll be nothing but a blend of browns and faded ash and greys. But for today - I couldn't help but capture her last glorious bow. Her last golden glow. Her last deep exhale and sigh. Her last breath - farewell.
Trees. Autumn 2011. Aging. Musings | in Aging, Autumn 2011, Musings., Trees 
Reader Comments (31)
Deeper roots going all the way to proper nourishment would be my guess, what ever the case I am glad you found her :-)
Simply brilliant, Marcie!
Une image tout en finesse comme tu sais bien les faire.
Your have such a lovely way with words, Marcie...you make this image come alive.
That is quite a find at this time. I am only finding monochrome colors. Perhaps black and white is called for and to just imagine the colors.
Seeing those last flames burning
gives me hope for the late bloomers,
singing so brightly while all the others,
quicker to the finish,
have faded.
Makes me glad for the late bloomers I love
(including me:))
-Jennifer
Must be amazing to go back to some of this places, time and again and see all the changes which happen as the seasons roll on..
You have such a wonderful way of anthropomorphizing Mother Nature all around us, Marcie. Thank You!
she keeps her own mind, I like that
Lovely. The image and the words. It's sad to see Autumn disappearing, isn't it?
Such a touching post and image, so much symbolism in this shot.
Every day I see your photograph and I think, "This is my favorite." Then the next day I say, "No, this is my favorite".
It's nice to have a new favorite every day!
Very nice photo!
Marcie - what a heart-felt tribute to persistence and the willingness to keep hanging on, till the final glow.
Simply beautiful. Words and photography. Very very nice!
such a pretty mood thank to this yellow tree :)
This bright spot makes an arresting image, especially since you have managed to record a lot of the detail in the surrounding drab branches and leaves.
Interesting shot. Kinda ghostly feel to it.
I love how sometimes something so simple can lead us to all kinds of reflections and perspectives...... that only happens when we are AWARE. Nicely done!!
Excellent as always! Have a nice weekend Marcie!
Take a bow!
Makes you wonder: WHy her? Just luck, or is ithe swan song of a fragile root? The world comes alive with this image.
Best title for a blog post ever! Great shot, Marcie. :)
Such a wonderful title for your photograph...something many of us would have over looked. But your refined eye misses NOTHING!!!
Leading Lady...what a wonderful introduction for a personal essay...we could all think of women who have lead the way. I actually see it in my daughters and daughters by marriage.
magnifique, ce petit bout de lumière qui vient éclairer quelques feuilles.
Your writing is so beautiful, Marcie and this photograph is remarkable. I think this would make a stunning print.
Sharon
Strange........... funny................. nice.........
The last leaves....The beauty of Autumn is ending...
Beautiful marriage of words and image, Marcie. I really like this new direction you've taken. Your gift for poetry and observation extends well beyond the visual. You're a wonderful writer, too.
It's an autumnal encore!
looks like a fairy scattered fairy dust here.. :) very nice capture..