October 6th…“AS A KID, ON YOUR FARM IN MINNESOTA, DID YOU EVER PLAY IN THE FALL LEAVES THAT YOU JUST FINISHED RAKING INTO A PILE? TELL US HOW YOU FELT AND ENJOYED THE EXPERIENCE.”
As ubiquitous as raking leaves has been to millions of kids over the ages, I can but nostalgically acquiesce to the same sensation of chilly, brisk winds stirring the scents of fall into my nostrils.
There, on our farm northwest of Kiester, Minnesota, crisp leaves below me crackled from the sweeping action of my rake and began to mountain themselves into pungent piles of pleasure. Those same leaves that cooled me in yesterday’s summer shade were now warming me in the crisp chill of a sapphire blue, autumnal sky as my young muscles leaned into every sweep of that rake handle; almost as if I were rowing a boat across an ocean of brown, organic waves.
Then, from that mountainous marvel of mangled Maples, came a voice beckoning me to leave my senses and destroy, albeit happily, that which I just created by raking. And so, with all propriety and logic set aside, I answered that sprite’s calling within me and happily launched myself airborne, landing deep inside that soft mountain of leaves.
A snap-crackling “KerrrFLUFF”!!! was the sound of my landing as I giddily disappeared inside that billowy mountain of crisp brown delight. Now under a dome of magic, I entered a domain of inviting glee! In kid heaven, I recall looking skyward and relishing the kaleidoscopic views of the brilliant Minnesota sky through the leaves above me. What better use for these mangled, munched Maples, thought I, than to turn them into an instantaneous amusement ride…….for FREE, even!
Such were the simple, yet luxurious sensations of playing in the leaves of autumn for this Norwegian Farmer’s Son.
Norwegian Farmer's Son 