Three Senses and the Four Seasons

Does one need to see the change in the four seasons? The sounds, smells and touch of the seasons tell you when one begins and one ends.

Spring

The birds begin to chirp in the early morning. At first, their peeps are faint. An occasional woodpecker makes its presence known as it pounds on a neighbor’s tree. By late spring, the robins, sparrows, cardinals and jays often begin their day at 5 a.m. The cacophony can be deafening. 

As the ground thaws, it smells of renewal.

Warmth arrives. One can feel it even on cold mornings. 

Summer

The earth awakens with a distinct smell. Earthworms emerge from the ground, emitting their odor. By late spring, the scent of blossoms fills the air.

Insects take over our world. We hear bumble bees dashing in between flowers and mosquitoes buzzing in our ears. During the day, the noise of the cicadas drowns out the sounds of children playing outside. Leaves gently rustle as the wind blows. In the twilight, a toad croaks from his puddle, crooning its world to sleep. 

Rays of sunshine burn through the windows, warming up the house.

The perfume of flowers is ever present.

Autumn

Mornings are more silent now. Honking geese flying south interrupt our day. Crickets find their voice and chirp loudly at night. Leaves dry out and fall. They crunch under our feet as we walk through the grass. 

The sun’s rays are no longer that warm.

After a rain, the smell of decay can be overpowering.

Winter

Crows! Their dreadful cawing begins early, often before it is light outside. They perch on our roof, pecking and dancing. Squirrels join them, scurrying along the roof line with food stashed in their cheeks. 

The sun’s rays no longer feel warm. 

The outside world remains silent, especially when snow falls. 

But when the crows are finally silent and the sweet chirping of robins begins, I sense that the seasonal cycle is beginning again.

Read more by Eileen Creeger.