This was inspired by letters between lovers in the early 1900s and the matter in which they had to communicate. This won a regional writing competition, as the prompt was to write such a letter. Enjoy.

*****

My Dearest,

You would not believe the wonders I saw amidst my autumn this past year. As I looked out upon the horizon above the glistening blue lake, my eyes fell on the most beautiful sight I had ever been blessed to see. The tranquil scene was perfectly laid out. Cicadas filled the trees, chirping their sweet song loudly for all ears willing to listen, as if they were performing a masterful concert composed just for me. These trees, while bare of most of their almost animated leaves, felt to be filled with life and joy. A gentle breeze whistled through the air, blowing the slightly damp grass around me which was tickling my skin, kindly welcoming me to it's sacred land.

I stared upon the most beautiful sight- the sunset. It's colorful hues spanned across the sky, filling the emptiness I felt from the leaves being so suddenly devoid of life. Stunning purple clouds extended from tree to tree, filling all that I could see. The purple haze permeated every corner of the sky, slowly fading into a rich, dark blue, reminiscent of the darkest moment of the night sky. While the sun's time in the sky was coming to a close, it's departure created a welcoming scene for the moon to enter. It painted the sky with vibrant shades of pink, reaching down to the horizon, trying to saturate the ground. A yellow glow shone through the cloudy sky, creating beautiful silhouettes of the skeletal trees living between me and this glorious light. It's radiating light hitting me in the face, as I dared not to look away. Nature's sweet warmth seeped into my skin, it's song easing me into a trance. The sky's ever-changing hue keeping me in a daze as I looked upon it a little while longer. Trees and flowers could disappear tomorrow and nature's true potential would not be squandered. Mother Nature is a world-renowned artist; the dusky sky is her canvas. Her paint is the inspiration for everything that has been created ever since.

What captured me most about the scene is how temporary the sun's beauty can be. One moment you are in the sweltering sun, longing for a cool place to rest. The next you are encapsulated by a swarm of color spanning across the settling sky. The immense artistry of the sun lowering into the horizon creates such an intimate moment between man and nature. One's tiring work throughout the day all becomes worth it when the sun creates her ineffable scene in the heavens, slowly disappearing over the horizon. While only able to be appreciated by the few who stop to watch, the sun is always setting somewhere, creating a new and exciting image in the sky. So as I looked upon the pink sky, aglow with peace, I found my love for nature and all her creations. My tranquil autumn day had finally come to an end, easing me into a sleep under the new night sky. Oh, what I would give to have you next to me. I hope you may enjoy it one day, finally being able to put your mind at ease and stare up at the painted sky and to feel the warmth of the sun in the depths of your heart.

Truthfully yours.