We say it’s “Fall,” when leaves are dying. leaving the trees and descending to the dirt. I remember the Zen teacher Thich Nhat Hahn saying that a leaf is the “mother of the tree.” Upon reflection, that makes sense. Nurturing compost for the roots, constantly, continually, eternally regenerating Life.
Photos from our walk today, crunching over the colors of Autumn.
Friendly Freethinker 
please offer a positive reflection on our bleak times if you can
Well, Joseph, in a meaningful way, I think paying attention to Nature, appreciating the Beauty, as I do with the photos, is the most positive reflection I can offer right now. Seeking the good and doing the best we can, seems the way to handle the hardest times. Stay safe, be well.