How to Catch a Falling Leaf

“We try to catch a dancing leaf, for every leaf caught is a ‘happy day’, but how elusive they are, these fluttering alive things, which slip through the fingers and evade pursuit!”

Alison Uttley, A Year in the Country

Elusive. Yes, that’s the perfect word for airborne autumn leaves – they tease and taunt, zig and zag, swoop and loop. They appear within easy reach, then dart from your grasp at the last milli-second. Artful dodgers to be sure.

Although I’ve walked miles of crunchy, leaf-covered trails in woods of scarlet and orange, I know of no sure-fire method for capturing the colorful discards set into motion by this magical season. I can only offer a few suggestions for trying to snag yourself a leaf for luck:    

Seize the challenge

Announce with great confidence that you’re not leaving until you catch a leaf. Analyze speeds and trajectories. When an opportunistic gust of wind sends a flurry of leaves flying and sailing to the ground, give it all you’ve got. Because there’s a direct correlation between a leaf-catcher’s determination and a falling leaf’s elusiveness, odds are that you will be in the woods a good long time.

Be a five-year-old

Run, leap, wave your arms wildly. The leaves are happy to play along. Chase, clutch, lurch, take a tumble. Repeat. The success level of this approach is dismally low, but the joy level is sky high. And it’s as much fun to watch as it is to participate.

Embrace your inner Zen

Breathe in the heady autumn air and experience the moment fully. Pay attention. Be the leaf you want to catch in this world: let go. Drop expectations and judgments and let them drift gently in the breeze. As for the chances for leaf-catching success? No one knows and no one cares. It’s all golden.