I love trees. There. It’s been said without pause or silhouetted embarrassment and with a realization that these feelings nurtured under beautiful limbs and atop copper colored needles of pine trees that stood tall in forests located in Winslow, Camden County. Boyhood escapes from occasional dysfunctional housemate behaviors led me to the sanctuary of trees, forests, ponds and lakes. Woods existed just yards from our home on Moore Ave. Countless hours, even during winter, passed as eyes peered through tree canopies backdropped by blue skies. Joyce Kilmer, born in New Brunswick, offered a perfect observation with, “I think that I shall never see, a poem lovely as a tree,” an introduction to his famous “Trees” creation, published in the collection Trees and Other Poems in 1914. It’s not just poems, not many things match the current wonder of trees. A recent drive on Route 206 south from Atsion Lake, Shamong to the blueberry fields just outside Hammonton, showcased a forestal version of aurora borealis as brilliant colors of autumn caused sensory stimulation. Walks in Mercer County Park, especially near Lake Mercer, display canvases splashed by hues of purple, pink, orange, and red. These spectacular vistas tether life to the passing of time. This famous quote presents fall as an opportunity for accepting change — The trees are about to show us how lovely it is to let the dead things go. Christina, who posts on createnourishlove.com offered these thoughts on October 23, 2015. “The act of letting go is much easier said than done. We all go through periods in life where we try to hold on to memories, people, and things. As wonderful as it is to reminisce the past at times, we must also learn to accept the fact that things change. Life, for all of us, is abundant in experiences, opportunities, and struggles, and without each of these, we cannot grow. “So cherish the memories, forgive the hardships, dismiss who or what is no longer serving you, and look to the future with positivity. To the best of your ability, embrace the beauty of letting go.” My girlfriend joined me for lunch recently at Kuser Park. We packed a meal, drinks and blanket for a visit that lasted two-hours. Our eyes looked up toward treetops on fire with magnificent colors. Only small splotches of blue sky showed in this amazing display of beauty. A small breeze developed as Mother Nature prepared for a grand finale, one that rivaled any fireworks presentation. Leaves detached from their host and cascaded toward our wide open eyes. While some critics considered Joyce Kilmer writings trapped by simplicity and sentimentality, he absolutely delivered gold with his trees observation. Take a drive or walk this weekend and enjoy the fascination of autumn. No better time exists to fall in love with trees and Mother Nature. L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Find him on Twitter @LAParker6 or email him at [email protected].