Freshly fallen leaves crunch underfoot.
Gray darkness is all around, yet my boots still find the intended way forward.
Over ridges and through grassy openings, the faint path continues, leading me onward.
Greeted by a gentle breeze, the last-to-fall leaves of the season rustle high above my head to announce their presence.
Only a sliver of moon is visible in the waning night sky as hints of blue materialize above the horizon, the first colors of a glorious morning.
A distant great horned owl sounds off one last time, announcing the departure of its nightly shroud.
Red squirrels chatter in commotion, scolding unseen intruders.
Migrating geese honk overhead and chickadees and nuthatches flit from branch to branch.
Bounding gray squirrels fattened from their fall bounty scurry about the leaves blanketing the forest floor.
Yelps from a hen turkey signal excitement for the ever-changing scene.
Soon enough bright yellows, crimson reds and pale oranges are visible as the grayness is gradually replaced with an ever expanding color palette.
Several short moments later, I watch as the first rays of golden sunshine touch the ground near me.
A new morning begins, filled with tasks to be completed before winter's icy grip can take hold.
Yet dawn will certainly return to the deer woods tomorrow and each day after.
Along with it comes the promise of a magical repeat for those willing to embrace its soul-touching whispers, a promise I await in eager anticipation.
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