Top 10 Most Insightful Essays on Nature and Human Life During the Transitional Moments

Early in the morning, as I looked out the window, I suddenly noticed the changes in the sky, the breeze, and the old phoenix trees along the street corner... even the expressions of the people walking by seemed unusually joyful. A few wandering gusts of wind slipped into my room through the window, bringing a refreshing sensation. It wasn't the same warm, heavy air of yesterday, where the summer heat lingered; today, there was a coolness in the air. At that moment, I realized the shift in nature: it was the transitional moment from summer to autumn.

Perhaps the change had begun at the end of June. The sweltering heat of summer had started to ease, replaced by a clearer sky and the fresh breeze of autumn. The old phoenix trees had begun shedding their leaves, turning the street into a carpet of red. Above, the soft golden sunlight began to bathe the trees and the ground, creating a picturesque autumn scene, just like the poetry often describes. Such a rare and beautiful sight! The coolness of this seasonal change began to permeate my soul, easing the discomfort of the summer heat... Autumn had arrived, though the remnants of summer still lingered. The white clouds seemed to hold onto the warmth of summer, while chrysanthemums bloomed, adding a gentle, poetic charm to the scene.

Above, flocks of birds chirped, harmonizing with the sounds of the cicadas. I felt that the space around me began to expand, becoming more vast. I gazed at the distant clouds and birds flying from the phoenix trees, as if they were right in front of me. Suddenly, a verse by poet Hữu Thỉnh about the seasonal change echoed in my mind:

Songs flowing gently
Birds in haste
A cloud of summer
Stretching halfway into autumn.

When I first read this poem, I didn't quite grasp its meaning. But standing before the real transition of the seasons, my heart was filled with an indescribable feeling.

Summer gradually faded, and autumn took its place. The heavy rains of summer gave way to the cool, gentle autumn rains. The distant river, no longer wild like the summer floods, became calm, the water clearer and more peaceful. On the streets, people laughed and chatted, as though they too recognized the pleasantness of this transitional moment. The sounds of laughter, birds chirping, cicadas buzzing, dry leaves rustling, and the soft breeze... all these familiar sounds created an atmosphere that was both nostalgic and indescribably moving.

As I walked quickly down the familiar path after this reflection, I noticed that the transitional scene had remained unchanged — still as beautiful and worthy of poetic expression as the lines of Hữu Thỉnh's poem. By the time I reached home, the feeling of nostalgia still lingered. The autumn breeze gently slipped into my room through the window once again. How refreshing! And I realized that I truly loved this seasonal change, the transition from summer to autumn.

Suddenly, I catch the scent of guava carried by the gentle breeze,

The morning mist lingers through the alley,

It seems autumn has arrived.

As summer fades away, a new autumn draws near. In this fleeting moment between summer and autumn, nature experiences delicate and subtle changes. Even in human life, there are intricate shifts that mirror these changes.

One crisp morning, I woke up to find the sky was impossibly blue and high. White clouds lazily drifted by, accompanied by a cool autumn breeze: "The clouds float in the sky, bright and clear" (Autumn Meditations - Nguyễn Khuyến). The refreshing air of fall began to replace the scorching heat of the summer that had just passed. As the evening fell, walking through a bustling street, I noticed the cicadas had quieted down, replaced by a soft melody echoing through the streets: "Hanoi in autumn! The yellowed breadfruit tree and the red maple tree stand side by side, near the old house with its brown tiled roof…" The harsh afternoon sun of summer had vanished, leaving only the soft, fading light of autumn. The cool wind blended with the sweet fragrance of milk flowers, evoking a nostalgic, almost bittersweet feeling. As night approached, a chill crept in the air, causing a sudden shiver. The green leaves were gradually turning yellow, and the wind would occasionally stir them, causing them to fall onto the streets.

In the pond, the once vibrant lotus flowers began to wither, while chrysanthemums in the garden were beginning to bloom. In these moments of the day, I felt a rush of emotion. I still remember, when I was a child, I often stayed with my grandmother in the countryside while my parents were away for work. She had a garden full of chrysanthemums, and every autumn, the flowers would bloom, covering the entire yard. Every morning, I would wake up early, helping my grandmother water and care for the flowers. The chrysanthemums grew quickly, filling the garden with color. My grandmother would often pick the dry, ivory-colored flowers and make chrysanthemum tea for me. To this day, I can never forget the delicate fragrance of the tea she made for me.

Autumn isn’t as full of life as spring, nor as lively as the beginning of summer, and it’s certainly not as cold and reflective as the early days of winter. Autumn arrives with its own unique beauty—gentle and graceful, like a young woman stepping into adulthood. The arrival of autumn is a moment to treasure, and in those moments, I realize that it’s not just nature that changes; the inner world of humans experiences shifts as well. With autumn comes a sense of longing and nostalgia. It’s like the lingering summer mist, hanging on the edge of a house, reluctant to leave: "The mist lingers through the alley" (Hữu Thỉnh). It’s also the schoolchildren bidding farewell to the carefree days of summer, eagerly awaiting the new school year. Autumn brings a sense of anticipation, but also worry. It’s the sight of a father’s hair turning gray, or the growing wrinkles on a mother’s forehead, as they worry about their children starting a new school year.

In the transition from summer to autumn, the world seems to "stretch" in graceful harmony. The human spirit also undergoes a gentle transformation. And so, I eagerly await the arrival of autumn:

Autumn has come! Now, what can I say?

What can I say when sorrow and anger stand in the way?

Looking for the falling petals,

I search for a bit of the fading color in the flowers…

"Autumn whispers as September arrives,

With the season shy, like a young maiden,

The old season promises to return along familiar paths…"

A melody of changing seasons plays, accompanied by a rush of memories, a dreamlike sky of youthful days. Autumn arrives with so many captivating sights: for some, it’s joy, excitement, while for others, it’s sadness, worry, or lingering memories. For some, it’s a season of longing for past moments—those fleeting times when the seasons change.

One morning, waking up, no longer is the mischievous sun peeking through the door, hiding behind the clear, dew-covered leaves; no longer is the sky a vibrant blue with soft clouds. The day’s sky is blanketed in a pure white mist. Mist turns houses and bamboo groves into enchanting scenes, like fairy tales coming alive. The mist brings a gentle, soothing feeling to the eyes but also a chill that shakes the body. The first cool breeze of the season lightly brushes against the warm skin, an indescribable sensation of crispness. It feels like autumn is already near… Indeed, summer carries away the heavy, sweet-smelling guavas and the bright red clusters of phoenix flowers with their accompanying sounds of cicadas… the fruits of summer, as if saved for the next season. The first cool gusts of wind make my heart tighten, flooding me with memories of summer travels and beautiful moments. I recall the familiar streets of Hanoi, the fragrance of lotus cake, a delicate gift of the land, its purity echoing the simplicity of the countryside. I remember the winding road from Tien Yen to Mong Cai, known by tour guides for its serpentine curves, one side mountain, the other, a deep ravine. I also remember China’s roads, wide and clean, with little dust, unlike those in Vietnam. And I recall so many cherished school memories. I think of last year's first day back to school, joyful with friends, carefree, yet now, with new teachers and classmates, it feels both strange and familiar. The changing seasons, unpredictable like the moods of youth, signal that summer hasn't fully passed and autumn hasn't fully arrived, caught between the two in an ambivalent state—perfect for the monsoon rains. My mother often tells the story of the lovers, Mr. and Mrs. Ngau, who were separated by the heavens, only to meet each year at this time. The rainbow, created by the heavens, bridges the distance between them. Their meeting is one of joyful tears, as their love overflows. After the rain, the rainbow appears as a sign of their happiness. This is the origin of the “Ngau Rain” story, which to me, symbolizes the tears of happiness and the yearning of love.

Autumn arrives quietly, not as loud or full of life as summer, nor cold and harsh like winter. It is gentle, soft like a young woman growing into maturity, no longer naive or careless. The turning of the seasons fills a child’s heart with excitement for school, a time for learning and play. For me and my friends, it’s the joy of reuniting after a long, relaxing summer. But for many parents, it’s a season of worry, concern over the upcoming school year. The furrows on my father's brow, worn from years of labor, and the silver strands in my mother's hair show the exhaustion of raising a child. Never think that parents only work for survival, status, or money. They work day and night, always thinking about their children, whether they are construction workers or street vendors. No matter their job, they are the ones who protect, nurture, and provide for us, ensuring we have everything we need for school. So, never let your parents feel sadness… On a chilly autumn day, wearing the jacket my mother bought, I feel the warmth of autumn, but do you know how many children, cold and abandoned, don’t have a coat? These are the children who’ve been left behind by society. I must be thankful for the opportunity to attend school, because so many others wish for it but cannot. If I could make a wish during this time of transition, I would wish for every child to go to school, to experience the joy of learning, to have friends who warm their hearts.

The changing season is truly beautiful. In these precious moments, I feel myself growing up. I feel compassion for my father, who works through the night, the cold winds in the day turning to harsher cold at night. The changing weather takes a toll on his health. I also feel for my mother, who works tirelessly every day. Sometimes I forget to ask how she is feeling. I feel the weight of my parents’ struggles, and I know I must work hard to repay them. I want to say, "Please trust me, Mom and Dad!"

Nature and human life during this transition from summer to autumn are gentle. It’s like a soft breeze touching the soul, carrying golden leaves falling along the paths to school. The sky seems clearer, the water feels deeper, and the first day of school sparkles with joy. In the busy rush of life, even a moment to appreciate the changing season makes me feel that life is truly wonderful.

There was once a poet, Huu Thinh, who was startled by the arrival of autumn, and Xuân Diệu, who was intoxicated by the first breath of spring. Could it be that these transitional moments are when humans are most moved? For me, the most magical moment is when spring steps into the world while winter is still holding onto the last remnants of autumn. Nature and humanity during these moments are truly special.

It was the final morning of the year, with red couplets and peach and apricot blossoms decorating the streets. I was still curled up in my blanket because the wind outside had howled through the window last night, and the chill still made one shiver. My mother called me to wake up, to help her prepare for the upcoming Tết festival. The moment I stepped outside into the yard, I sensed something different. Could it be that spring had finally arrived?

I took a deep breath, savoring the fresh air around me. The air was still cold, but it didn’t cut through my skin as before. It seemed that the warmth of the sun had already begun to spread. The sunlight settled on the branches, on the eaves, or on my open hand. Ah, so spring had truly brought the sunlight with it. The sunlight was shy, peeking through the clouds like a young maiden. It was so gentle that I had to look closely to notice it. Before the warmth could fully envelop the surroundings, I felt a light mist on my skin. My heart leaped at the first spring rain. Though it wasn’t enough to wet the village road, it was enough to show that spring was truly here—gentle rain and sunshine marking the beginning of a season of happiness.

At that moment, I noticed how my garden had begun to change. The trees were no longer as barren as the day before. Spring had brought new life. New buds were emerging shyly, as if hesitating to face the world. The green of spring had already begun to paint the garden, signaling new beginnings. And look, the baby birds were nestled in their mother's embrace, content. The migratory birds returning from the cold had begun to soar back into the blue sky. The whole space was alive with the green of new shoots, the soft yellow of sunlight, and the songs of birds celebrating the spring. Everything seemed ready to welcome the new season.

On my way to the market, I truly felt the arrival of spring. Spring had arrived on the green country road, resting on the red-tiled roofs, and brightening the faces of the people. The quiet village was no longer as empty as it had been during the cold days. People brought out their brooms to clean the front yards, and some called their children to trim the trees and decorate the peach and kumquat trees. Spring had brought a new energy to the village. And the specialties of the season had arrived in every household. The elders sat on the porch wrapping bánh chưng, while the children gathered around, helping and laughing. The laughter echoed through the air, making spring hurry on faster.

But as spring came, I was also suddenly struck by a thought. Does spring make the faces of the homeless, the ones unable to reunite with their families, seem even more sorrowful? Spring adds burdens to the poor, who must worry about new clothes for their children, prepare a feast to honor their ancestors. And when spring arrives, we are reminded that our parents grow older with each passing year, and the time we have left with them is shrinking. Spring is like that—it brings sunshine, but also rain; it brings happiness, but also sorrow.

For me, the transition from winter to spring is truly magical. I feel that the memories of the past year linger, the joys and sorrows still present. But I also realize that we must look forward to new things, work harder, and try more. In other words, this is a moment of growth!

Do you know? Our lives are finite, and we never know how many more times we’ll get to experience moments like these. So let’s cherish the changing seasons, and remember that nature, life, and the simple joys around us are truly precious.

"...In August, when autumn leaves start to turn yellow?

Since the day you left, the silent longing has remained.

Are you the autumn of Hanoi?

In my years of wandering, I've been trying to find you.

Are you the autumn of the past?…"

The sweet and romantic melodies by composer Trần Quang Lộc have deeply imprinted themselves in the hearts and minds of countless generations of Vietnamese people, especially as autumn approaches. It’s not just Hanoi's autumn, but the entire magical transition from summer to fall, when the earth and sky gently change, has long been an endless source of inspiration for poetry, music, and art.

As the scorching heat of summer slowly fades away, it is replaced by soft, refreshing breezes that infuse the air with a sense of purity and calmness—autumn has quietly arrived. Gone are the intense summer sun and the buzzing of cicadas in every small alley. White clouds drift lazily across the sky, which seems clearer and higher, while glimpses of sunlight dance through the leaves. If summer were a vibrant, energetic girl, autumn would resemble a gentle, shy maiden—full of grace and refinement. It is not as bursting with life as spring, nor as lively as summer, nor as introspective and quiet as winter; autumn has a beauty all its own. How wonderful it is to wake up each morning, marvel at the dew glistening on the leaves, and breathe in the fresh, dewy air. The cool breeze of autumn is distinct, carrying the sweet, nostalgic scent of flowers in the air. The sight of the fading red of summer’s flame-like flowers and the soft purple of the bylanes growing distant as the season shifts is a poignant reminder of autumn's quiet arrival. The vivid hues of autumn are also reflected in the blooming chrysanthemums—fresh, pure, and serene. I still vividly recall the days when my mother and I would visit the market and I would spot bundles of white chrysanthemums, a sign that autumn was truly near. The flowers would later be dried and brewed into fragrant tea, carrying the unmistakable taste of autumn that would forever be etched in my memory.

The transition from summer to autumn seems to mirror a shift in human emotions. Life slows down, and people become more reflective, savoring the tranquility and softness that comes with this time of year. That’s why autumn is often considered a season of nostalgia, evoking memories and emotions. The gentle atmosphere encourages people to pause, listen to the rustling of the leaves, and savor the subtle scent of flowers as they drift in the breeze.

For students, autumn brings more than just a change in the weather. It marks the beginning of the school year, a time to say goodbye to the carefree days of summer and look forward to reunions with friends and teachers. I can still remember the day my mother took me by the hand, walking me to school for the very first time. It was a crisp autumn day, and the bright blue sky seemed to promise a world of new experiences waiting to unfold. Memories of autumn are always filled with joy and warmth, and I’ll never forget the moments when my mother returned from the market with a small bundle of village-made green sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaves—its delicate aroma a perfect reflection of the season's sweetness.

Autumn is not just beautiful for its landscapes but also for the distinctive seasonal treats it brings. Whether it’s the savory taste of fried rươi (a type of small fish) that my mother prepares, the tangy sourness of salted ripe plums that my father loves, or the sweet, fragrant guavas from my grandmother's garden—these are the flavors of autumn that stay in your heart forever. For me, autumn is the most special season, and the moment it begins is always the most eagerly anticipated.

The chill of the biting cold winter rain gradually fades, making way for the gentle spring drizzle. The first fragile rays of sunshine, though still weak, struggle to break through the clouds. Could it be that spring is on its way?

Spring arrives without warning, sneaking up on us. During this transitional period, nature lingers in a state of indecision, caught between the lingering cold of winter and the warmth of the spring breeze. After enduring the harsh winter, the earth quietly nurtures life, waiting for the moment to burst into vibrant energy. On the barren branches, small tender leaves begin to emerge, shedding their rough exteriors to reach for the sky. It’s often said that spring is the season of a thousand flowers blooming. In harmony with nature's rhythm, the flowers, eager to showcase their beauty, join in the celebration of the season’s vitality. Each flower competes with the next, proudly revealing its color and shape for all to admire, creating a more dazzling, vibrant spring scene. Butterflies, fluttering joyfully with the breeze, circle around, delighting in the sweet fragrance of the flowers. One unique feature of spring is the fine, mist-like rain. Unlike the torrential downpours of summer, spring rain is soft and light, barely enough to dampen a coat:

“That day, spring rain fluttered and danced,

Flowers of the xoan tree gently fell, scattered everywhere.”

The spring rain enhances the romantic atmosphere of the season. Tiny droplets settle on leaves, on the hair and shoulders of passersby. The misty rain fills the air, bringing a sense of moisture intertwined with warmth. As the swallows swoop and soar across the expansive sky, we are suddenly reminded: spring is almost here. The sound of drums and the flutter of colorful flags signal the approach of another vibrant festival. The lively energy of spring fills the air, making our hearts race in excitement.

Those who appreciate beauty can’t help but be moved by spring. It brings not only life to nature but also stirs the hearts of people, filling them with anticipation and hope. The start of a new year brings new hopes, new joys, and fresh beginnings. With the arrival of spring, we feel a renewal in our spirits, as if we are young again, in sync with the world around us, embracing the vitality of a fresh start. Spring is also the time for reunions. Families gather around a fire, sharing stories and laughter over steaming pots of bánh chưng. After a year of hard work, these moments of rest bring comfort and warmth, allowing for bonding and reflection, while letting go of the burdens and worries of the past year. For children, spring means the joy of wearing new clothes and hearing the sound of fireworks that fill the sky with celebration.

Spring brings people closer to nature, allowing them to feel the subtle changes in the air as the seasons shift. Our hearts, too, open up, overflowing with love for our country and its people. While we celebrate the beauty of spring, we must not forget the bitter cold of winter, for it is the harshness of winter that makes us appreciate the warmth of spring even more.

The year unfolds in four distinct seasons, each one stirring emotions that are uniquely its own, much like an indescribable flavor of time. Yet nature is marvelous, and the human heart is mysterious, for it is not only the arrival of each season that evokes such emotions, but the very moments of transition between them, each with its own lingering aftertaste, like a season that never truly ends. Sometimes, these fleeting moments of change can feel even more comforting and eagerly awaited than the entire season itself.

Throughout the year, nature changes its attire, but perhaps I am most moved during the delicate shift between autumn and winter. It is that fragile moment, as light as the last leaf of the year drifting silently into the void, that touches the soul, awakening a sensitive and delicate spirit. Late autumn, when gentle breezes shift to cool, crisp air, when the clear blue sky turns into a grey, overcast stretch of mist, naturally stirs a feeling of something resembling farewell. Yes, it is a farewell—a farewell to autumn as we step into winter, the last season of the year. Gone is the romantic atmosphere of red leaves and soft autumn winds; in its place, the quiet contemplation of the world preparing to rest. After the dreamy serenity of autumn, there is a melancholic joy in this transition, a bittersweet happiness that comes with the change of seasons.

If one walks through the streets at dusk during the fragile moments between autumn and winter, there is a lingering love for autumn, as if we, too, are reluctant to part with the years gone by. The cold is near, meaning the year is coming to its close. But as much as we long for autumn, we accept the arrival of winter, knowing that all the romantic surrender of autumn is quietly preparing for the decay of nature, for the retreat that winter brings. The year is no longer young, with its vibrant spring or passionate summer; it has reached the end of autumn and opens its arms to winter. Winter arrives to give the earth time to rest, to nurture seeds for new life, preparing for a rebirth in the spring. We know this, yet still, a sense of longing remains, as we reflect on life itself. Just like the seasons, life follows its own cycle of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Winter for the earth is the decline before the renewal of the next year, but for humans, winter marks the approach of a final farewell. Truly, the passing years are difficult to let go of, even if happiness is fleeting.

It is often said that only a sensitive soul can truly perceive the fleeting moments of transition. And it's true—those moments between autumn and winter are not things you can touch or grasp, nor do they appear through ordinary senses. To me, it feels like a thin, white thread woven through the mist, gently passing through me when I close my eyes and walk, guided only by my emotions. The moment is fragile, light, yet deep and vivid, never fading into insignificance, but so brief that it becomes an elusive, indescribable sensation. It feels like dreaming, caught between the delicate steps of autumn and winter, as if I’m suspended in a world between two seasons. The sensation is exquisite; though brief, its aftertaste lingers, rich and unforgettable.

The transition between seasons is always ethereal, magical, and captivating, enchanting the heart. Each season has its unique hues, but when they meet, they merge into a unified emotion, creating an extraordinary and intoxicating feeling.

Our country experiences four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter, each beautiful in its own way. If you were to ask anyone, they would likely have their own feelings about the beauty of each season, and most would have a particular season they hold dear. For me, however, the moments of seasonal transition always evoke something special. No one can really point out exactly when these transitions occur—it’s something that depends on how we perceive nature. And the shift from summer to autumn is the transition I cherish the most.

When people think of summer, they usually imagine the intense, scorching heat of the sun. But as the seasons change, the sunlight still shines brightly but loses its harshness. I love the warmth at this time—it’s gentle and so much more endearing than the relentless sun of mid-summer. The air feels fresher, too, which is one of the first signs of autumn’s arrival. In the mornings, there’s a slight chill; by noon and afternoon, the sun shines brightly, but as night falls, the temperature drops again. Autumn’s coolness isn’t as severe as winter’s, and the sun is kinder than in summer. What’s even more wonderful is waking up to see the chrysanthemums in the garden blooming, while the lotus flowers in the village pond start to wither. I love this feeling, the atmosphere of change—but I also feel a little nostalgic, for summer is already gone. The carefree days of playing with friends are over, and soon the busy days of school will begin.

People, too, seem to change during autumn, from their clothing choices to their way of life. The light fabrics of summer are replaced by long sleeves and warmer outfits. Ladies wrap fashionable scarves around their necks. Life becomes more lively as everyone seems excited for what’s to come. Perhaps the sweltering heat of summer drained people’s energy, making the air less joyful. With autumn comes the end of the year, and that brings a sense of urgency to everything. Even students like me feel a new excitement—returning to school, reconnecting with teachers and friends. There’s a sense of anticipation for the new academic year, with new classes and new lessons ahead.

I remember reading the poem “Sang thu” (Arrival of Autumn) by the poet Hữu Thỉnh when I was in 9th grade. The poem left a deep impression on me about the moment when the sky transitions into autumn. This morning, I noticed the faint scent of guava wafting through the air. It wasn’t just with my eyes that I could sense the change; my nose could smell it too. I’m welcoming this moment with all my heart.

A new day signifies the passing of yesterday, as time never stops and the cycle of the universe continues to repeat itself every year. The feeling of waiting for a season to come and bidding farewell to one that has passed is quite unique, much like saying goodbye to an old friend and anticipating the arrival of a new one, or preparing for a new school year by putting away the old textbooks. This transition of seasons stirs emotions of both excitement and nostalgia. For me, the shift from spring to summer brings the most reflection and sentiment.

Everyone has a moment during the year that feels as though it passes by in the blink of an eye. For me, it’s the time right after the New Year celebrations. The weather is still cool, with gentle breezes and sunlight that isn’t too harsh. The spring flowers wait patiently to fade by the time the lunar new year ends, and before you know it, spring is gone. For students like us, this time always feels like a race. During the holidays, we’re all smiles, enjoying a rare break, but soon we’re back to our books, preparing for mid-term exams, and then the final exams. The bright red blossoms of the phoenix trees mark this change.

Inside the classroom, I can see through the window the first buds of flowers, blooming like the shy smile of a young girl. Day after day, with all the pressure of year-end exams, we forget that the gentle warmth of spring is fading, and the cool, clear mornings are no longer there. This morning, I woke up to the first rain of summer, and a young girl was already panicking about the upcoming summer vacation. It wasn’t just the rain that arrived unexpectedly—the sun grew fiercer too. The sun now rises early and stays out late. The once-clear spring river, where you could spot small fish swimming, now overflows with rainwater. The golden apricot flowers have fallen, making way for the purple water lilies to bloom in the pond. The purple-flowered Jacaranda trees are waking up as the students prepare to leave.

The mischievous students pluck clusters of phoenix flowers, making red butterflies and pressing them in their notebooks, exchanging memory books to capture this special moment. No one speaks about it, but in everyone’s heart, there’s a little sadness at the thought of parting and a hopeful wish for a joyful summer. At this moment, memories of saying goodbye to an old childhood friend rush to my mind, and I feel a lump in my throat. I still vividly remember one late spring day years ago, when I was still innocent, playing with dolls and hide-and-seek with friends behind the house. I had to leave my familiar home, my school, and my best friend. That was one of the saddest days in my memory. My father’s business failed, and we had to sell our house and move to my maternal grandparents’ village. That house, where spring always arrived early with golden apricot blossoms and where summer was filled with the sounds of cicadas. We had prepared for a small hut at the end of spring, waiting for summer to come and for us to enjoy games together. But that late spring, I had to leave, and I still remember my friend handing me a bunch of freshly bloomed phoenix flowers before I left and promising to visit me. Yet, five long years have passed, and I have never returned to that old village. So, each time spring turns to summer, I feel a deep sense of longing, wondering if my friend still waits for me under the old phoenix tree by the hut.

Whenever the seasons change, I think about my current life, which has also seen many changes. Life constantly evolves, and we find ourselves in the middle of the intersection between the old and the new, between the modern and the traditional, between the east and the west… People are always faced with choices, and whichever side we lean toward has both its advantages and drawbacks. In the whirlwind of time, we need to maintain a steady mindset to avoid losing ourselves.

The moment of seasonal change is always a beautiful gift from nature. To fully experience it, one needs an observant eye and a sensitive heart, just as in life, to recognize even the smallest of changes, we must live slowly and truly savor each day.

As a child, I eagerly awaited the arrival of the new year. But one day, I suddenly noticed a few gray strands in my father's hair. That was when I realized that time doesn’t only pass in years. I started paying more attention to the months, the seasons. The moments when the seasons change became a deep marker in my life. I’ve come to love and cherish the transition of seasons, especially when summer shifts into the cool embrace of autumn.

The soft spring showers, the tender green buds on the branches, and the intense downpours calling in the summer... all these magical changes in nature stir my soul. But above all, the moment when summer transitions into fall always fills me with an extraordinary sense of anticipation! Perhaps it’s because autumn is my favorite season, and I await its arrival as one would wait for a long-lost friend to return...

Autumn comes gently, almost imperceptibly. One day, someone might notice that the sky appears clearer, higher, and deeper blue. The scorching, blazing heat of summer has softened, giving way to a gentler warmth. On the other side, glimpses of red peep out from the dense green of the phoenix trees. Could it be that the phoenix flowers have soaked up all the summer’s sun, wind, and rain, only to bloom in bright red as a farewell to summer and a greeting to fall? Along both sides of the street, the purple of the Jacaranda flowers has faded. The once intense violet that tugged at the heartstrings is now a paler shade. The river in front of my house no longer churns with muddy red water. It now flows calmly, like a shy fifteen-year-old girl. Everything around the familiar house carries an atmosphere of quiet calm, soft and cool, making each morning feel like a sweet reverie.

Just a few days ago, everyone was reluctant to go outside because of the intense heat and sudden downpours, accompanied by unexpected thunderstorms. But today, I long to leisurely ride my bike under the wide canopy of trees. I see young children sitting behind their mothers, excited and cheerful. It turns out they’re getting ready for the new school year. Oh, how I remember my first day of school—such a fleeting memory, yet it’s been more than a decade. Time passes so quickly! Lost in my thoughts, I catch the faint scent of star anise flowers in the breeze, just enough to evoke a soft, lingering nostalgia.

When autumn arrives, it seems that everyone carries themselves more lightly. The pace of life slows down; it’s no longer as loud and hurried. Offices and schools become quiet after work and class, filled with thoughtful stillness. The riverbanks and ferry stations grow quieter in the evenings. The evening air carries a slight chill. Perhaps this is why people eagerly await the warmth of the family dinner table. In a moment of reflection, I remember my father’s words: time flows, everything changes, and life takes unexpected turns. We must find our own happiness. I’ve always wondered what true happiness is. Then, I glance across the street, where an elderly woman pauses to rest her wheelchair, pulls out a small chair, and sits beside her husband. He tilts his head toward her as she slowly reads from a thick, brownish book, while he closes his eyes and listens intently. Suddenly, I understand what happiness is. It’s that peace, spending quiet moments with those you love. Happiness is simple, and beautifully ordinary.

As the seasons change, my heart stirs with so many emotions. I feel nostalgia, regret, joy, and excitement… I realize that each day I grow older, and I must live my life in a way that honors the passage of time.