Impressions from the Forest: After Rain

A waterfall after rain.

One day I went for my usual walk in the forest, which proved unusual in the way it enveloped. I tend to exaggerate watching my step. That way maybe I do not watch nature so much. So, I decided to listen to the sounds of nature more. I normally concentrate on the chirping and singing of the birds, but this time the risen river after rain was so loud, I could barely hear the birds. The birds that have stayed at least, several of them have flown south already. The swallows desert us in autumn. No more chance of seeing a swallow-dive this time of the year. I saw it once in summer and it was magnificent. The way the swallow sank in its flight and touched the water of the river. Only to fly back up right after that. As if it were an acrobat showing off to some strangers doing their daily walk.

It was wonderful in a way to listen to the mighty river, especially because the sight of it went along with the powerful sound of the flow. The tiny hydropower plant looked as if it was going to be taken away with the masses of new water gathered from the fallen rain. And yet the seemingly destructive water gives us electricity, and it is a sure sign that the underground reservoirs have been filled in November rain sufficiently to see us through even the worst drought of July and August.

There was another thing I noticed on the way. The leaves had largely fallen, that way the sun although low above the horizon still peered out to the walking path like it never does over summer, when the leaves provide the usual shade. It was like an awakening in the middle of the forest. Yes, I had to blink, the sun was that strong. And when my eyes had recovered from the sunbeam, I noticed the tiny waterfall had suddenly turned into a massive one from all the new water. You can see it in the photo.

Take care,

Helena Smole, author of:

– a fantasy novel with romance Vivvy and Izzy the Dwarf: A series about relationships

– Balancing the Beast, a book offering a bright view of schizoaffective disorder ˗ bipolar or manic-depressive type