‘Ning all,

So, as the title suggests I’m an Englishman in . I’m married to a lovely girl from Panama City Beach and we have just had our first child, a boy we named Gabriel. It occurred to me that we have many people from many different places in the States and abroad which lead me to the following thought:

I’ve been in Panama City for three years and now that I’ve settled in and have adjusted to the sometimes overbearing weather I took a little time to reflect on the seasons, what they represent to me and in general and why I miss them.

Autumn, or fall as it is more commonly known here, is by far my most favoured season. I am sure it is similar towards the north east and west compared to . I love the colours, bright skies and cool air, bonfires, fireworks parties (we celebrate Guy Fawkes Night on November the 4^th with a good old fashioned bonfire and fireworks), watching your breath hang in the air after dark. Great memories… for me, at least!

In my spare time when I’m not watching or playing soccer I often sit down and write; it maybe a story or poem, sometimes just random thoughts. Here’s what I put down about autumn:

Autumnal Joy

So close I see each vein of copper sun.
Glare reflects, blinds for the briefest moment.
I follow the leaf, it settles. It’s done
After reaching the end of its descent.

Golden browns and yellows caught my corner,
Floating freefall in my peripheral.
The wind now picks up, but I feel warmer.
Leaf dives down so very accipitral.

My eyes are now taken aback once more,
As the auburn shower rains down around.
Such sights! Such awe! A vision to adore!
A thousand more leaves glide down to the ground.

Autumn’s ephemeral score gives reason
That just one leaf can create my season.

What’s your favourite season and what memories do they give you?

The Englishman