Autumn’s Bounty: Gifts for Farmers
By: Arshid Khan
As the summer sun begins to wane, making way for the arrival of autumn, a remarkable transformation takes place in the natural world. The vibrant hues of this enchanting season gracefully descend upon the landscape, casting a spell that captivates our senses and beckons us to immerse ourselves in its romantic ambiance. It is during this time that the human heart becomes a canvas for a myriad of emotions, as if the very essence of the season itself has cast a spell upon us, igniting a certain mojo within our souls.
One cannot help but be entranced by the dulcet melodies that resonate through the atmosphere, emanating from the delicate vibrations in the tymbals of the mellifluent cicadas. These tiny musicians, with their enchanting songs, have the power to liberate our ears from the incessant clamor of modern gadgets and gizmos, transporting us to a realm where only the sweetest harmonies exist. It is as if the musical maestros from every corner of the globe have come together in a grand symphony, their collective voices weaving a tapestry of euphony that adds saccharinity and solace to our ear drums.
Yet, amidst the enchantment, we cannot deny that autumn also carries with it a touch of cruelty and callousness. It is a season that gradually bids farewell to the lush greens and abundant grains, leading them to their grim gallows. However, even in this act of nature’s relentless cycle, there is a hypnotizing beauty that unfolds before our eyes. The mellows of autumn paint the viridescentvegetations with strokes of wheatish yellow, as if the rising golden sun itself has taken a brush to everything, transforming the world into a mesmerizing palette of fire. These hues of blonde ignite a sense of curiosity, confidence, and joy within our veins, as we witness the transformation of the world around us.
Autumn also gifts us with the fragrant petrichor that fills the air after prolonged dry summers. The earth, parched and longing for moisture, is finally quenched by the gentle touch of raindrops. The scent of the rain mingling with the earth’s embrace is a symphony in itself, a melody that speaks of renewal and rejuvenation. It is as if the very essence of life is being replenished, breathing new energy into the world.
For the formidably toiling farmers, autumn brings glad tidings as they reap the fruits of their laborious exertions in the fields and orchards. The sight of cone-shaped paddy bales adorning the landscape gives an industrial look to the paddy fields, reminding us that architecture and craft are not confined to the pages of engineering books alone. It is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of mankind, as they shape the world around them.
In the countryside, many young boys, lacking access to shotguns, would resort to using noose traps to hunt birds. These traps were skillfully crafted from horsetail hair, meticulously prepared to entice and tempt the birds to come down and peck at the abundant layers of paddy seeds near the cone-shaped bales. The traps were carefully laid overnight, preferably before the sunset, in hopes of yielding a fruitful catch. On certain occasions, these amateur hunters would indeed be rewarded for their efforts. However, the noose traps were not without their vulnerabilities, as they were susceptible to attacks from cunning foxes and vigilant dogs. Therefore, the fowlers, well-acquainted with the art of the hunt, would make their way to the predetermined locations of the traps before the break of dawn. Equipped with a knife, an essential tool for any fowler, they would ensure that the process of slaughter was carried out with utmost precision and respect. The fowlers would skillfully dispatch the captured birds, honoring the cycle of life and the sustenance it provides.
Autumn, with its kaleidoscope of colors, its symphony of sounds, and its bountiful harvest, is a season that stirs the soul and reminds us of the intricate beauty that exists in the world. It is a time of reflection, of gratitude, and of embracing the wonders that nature so generously bestows upon us.
