Some say: 'Autumn is a miraculous pause to let nature paint before it fades.' Autumn skies seem to step into middle age, vibrant yet carrying a hint of distant melancholy. Gazing upon the straight rows of trees overflowing with the colors of yellow and red, one witnesses the season of changing leaves. As the golden leaves fall and the red ones follow suit, some whimsically dance with the gentle breeze before gracefully descending to the ground, concluding a splendid cycle to return to beloved earth. Sometimes, strolling through rows of trees, golden leaves shower down like a snowfall in autumn, adorning hair, clothes, and swirling endlessly underfoot with the sound of rustling leaves, a delight to the senses. In that enchanting scenery, one loses oneself in the intoxicating scent of autumn, intoxicated by the melancholic golden leaves or the gentle, chilly breeze. One cannot tell anymore...
In my eyes, the autumn sky always holds a unique beauty, lofty and elegant like a maiden in her prime, with the azure sky smooth and silky like freshly dyed silk. The sun no longer harsh but gentle, like soft lips bestowing tender kisses upon everything. The sunlight turns to a pale yellow, as if a thin layer of fragrant silk could be carried away by the wind at any moment. Autumn is characterized by the faint, gentle breeze, delicately retaining the warmth of summer while borrowing a hint of early winter chill, bringing the sweet scent of fields and grass, making one want to immerse oneself and enjoy to the fullest. Autumn cannot be without its lingering drizzles, light yet persistent, as if the space is covered in a layer of white dust, continuously falling throughout the day, never ceasing. In those moments, I often lazily sit by the window, mesmerized by each cool raindrop through the pane, my soul wandering to unknown places.
It must be affirmed that autumn is a very 'profound' season as it serves as an endless source of inspiration in the poetry of many famous authors, such as Luu Trong Lu with 'The Sound of Autumn,' rustling leaves falling, Nguyen Dinh Thi with 'Autumn Wind' imbued with the scent of new rice, or Tran Dang Khoa welcoming autumn when the areca flowers fall gently amidst fleeting autumn breezes in 'Early Autumn.' Even I, who do not possess the soul of an artist, can feel the tender charm of the slow, spreading autumn rain, permeating and tinting a corner of the old streets of Hanoi with nostalgia.
When autumn arrives, people often mention milk flowers with their intense and characteristic scent that not everyone can perceive. Mentioning golden daisies, the symbol of autumn, even though their bright yellow color seems unrelated to the leisurely autumn atmosphere of sun and mild breeze, they persistently bloom, defying the whims of the autumn winds, scattering white dandelion seeds into the sky. However, I am particularly impressed by the beautiful, mysterious Quynh flowers, preferring to bloom on clear moonlit autumn nights with cool breezes. The feeling of stealing glances at the delicate Quynh flowers blooming like a fairy shedding her attire is truly captivating, and its cool, elegant fragrance truly enchants the heart.
I adore autumn, especially the serene, gentle autumn nights, where one can fully embrace the feelings of solitude, tranquility, far from the hustle and bustle of urban life, enjoying the faint scent of new rice, the fragrance of milk flowers, and pomelo blossoms permeating the soul. Sitting on a wicker chair in the garden, left hand holding a cup of hot tea, right hand embracing the lazy cat, an old radio playing the background music of the once-famous movie - 'Autumn Heart.' I reminisce about love, family bonds, friendships, wishing for serenity like this autumn. Looking up at the sky, there's the crescent moon, casting its silvery light down, cool and serene. Sometimes, I even imagine the celestial life of Chang'e and Houyi, perhaps just as peaceful. Occasionally, I notice a few constellations twinkling in the distance, as if beckoning, and I find myself waving back, a gesture of endearment from a deep autumn lover. Some may think I'm 'eccentric' for such actions, but surrounded by the fragrance of tea and flowers, I feel like a carefree fairy, oblivious to worldly affairs.
Autumn dawn brings a dreamy, romantic beauty like a twenty-year-old girl. In the early morning haze, I rise, don a light coat, and leisurely stroll to Hoan Kiem Lake, settling on a stone bench by the shore, awaiting the sunrise. The water, naturally emerald, appears even clearer, reflecting the sky's colors, with trees leaning over to peer at their own reflections, the lake's surface resembling a unique oil painting. In autumn, the sun also seems lazy, leisurely tinting the surrounding clouds pink before casting its first warm rays. I cherish this moment as the happiest, most exhilarating moment of the day, as autumn transitions to midday. In the afternoon, life slows down, even the most hurried individuals become lethargic, as the melancholic autumn twilight sets in. The sun drifts freely towards the horizon, bathing the sky in a faint purple hue, reminiscent of the Ao Dai of Hue girls, imbued with the melancholy color of the dreamy ancient capital, nostalgic.
Autumn within me is just that, brimming with romantic, indifferent hues. I love autumn for its peaceful, tranquil demeanor, not as lively as spring, not as dazzling as summer days, nor as cold and desolate as winter. The essence, clarity, and hues of autumn seem to evoke indescribable, overwhelming emotions, impossible to put into words. Truly, autumn is a marvelous gift bestowed upon us by Mother Nature.
