Autumn's Eve

Six days before autumn, cool westerly breezes herald coming change. Along rural roads bee-laden asters and goldenrod and sumac add their blues and yellows and reds to that of the swamp maples, which early reds flag the changing of New England's distinct four seasons. Local Indians made a tea of the furry sumac's berries, which are rich in vitamin C. One supposes that a warm citrus-flavored drink would appeal to those without our modern conveniences as warm and short summer nights yield to frosty morns.