An Ode to Autumn

A couple of weeks ago September hit and talk of jumpers, winter coats, berry picking and crumbles arose. According to the astronomical calendar, the autumnal equinox starts in earnest on September 23rd. However, it’s understandable with the horrors of British politics that we want to have our crumble and eat it while we can. That being said, I’m embracing every shred of autumn. I relish that back-to-school feeling and the longer evenings spent comfortably reading, and nearly as comfortably running—with the crisp air and breeze. As if a lulling incantation broke inside me, September arrived and I’ve been as motivated as ever. Although I doubt there’s some sorceress reciting spells on my productivity levels—there is something magical about autumn.

I’m yearning for the season where “leaves, fall; die, flowers, away; Lengthen night and shorten day” that is promised with the step from August to September. Rooted in my love for this season of maroon red, mustard yellow and plum purples is that eternal back-to-school mentality that considers September as more as a cause for resolution than New Year. A new academic year marks a fresh start. It offers us another chance to concentrate on those lofty goals we set ourselves in January. With the colder months in sight, we suddenly become more motivated. As I head into my final year of university, you can bet I’m aiming to be the paragon of productivity with my new pens, pads and to-do lists. I’m soaking it all up while I can.

Academia aside, the idleness that comes with autumn is a cause for excitement. Broadcasters revive TV with seasons of exciting shows back from their hiatus to the extent at which I’ve downloaded an app to keep track of it all. With the evenings getting shorter, you can cosy up in front of your TV with some stodgy comfort food and no introverted social remorse. Moreover, a fresh wave of films drenches cinemas, from re-makes to blockbusters and book-to-film adaptations. Then, October brings us the build-up to Halloween in all its tacky commodified glory carving a path for the November and December celebrations. I hope whether you’re starting a new school year, working away, saving up for the Christmas period or splurging on a new transitional wardrobe, that you enjoy this wonderful season.

Fall, leaves, fall; die, flowers, away;
Lengthen night and shorten day;
Every leaf speaks bliss to me
Fluttering from the autumn tree.
I shall smile when wreaths of snow
Blossom where the rose should grow;
I shall sing when night’s decay
Ushers in a drearier day.

• Fall, Leaves, Fall, Emily Brontë (1818–1848)

Also read: An Autumn Reading List