Mid-August in Portland

Remember when everything was new and budding, just a few short months ago? We can see the phases of growth, maturity and decay in August as plants give back to the soil so the cycle can start anew.

To celebrate life is to celebrate all it takes to make life possible.
The rain with the sun. The night with the day.
Do we see the beauty in the unpredictable patterns of decay?
We stop to smell the roses, but do we thank them as the scent fades?
Or do we look past the browning petals to revere the buds and blooms?
Past the drooping flowers that make way for others to shine,
Even as they flutter to the ground to feed the soil for those to come.
– Iris