A Taste of A Letter: Dear Autumn

What begins as a simple letter to a season unfolds into a profound meditation on life, death, resilience, and renewal in John Shuttleworth's masterfully crafted "Dear Autumn." Narrated by the author himself, this piece transcends mere seasonal observation to capture the bittersweet essence of autumn as it stands on the precipice of winter's approach.

Shuttleworth's sensory-rich prose transports listeners between two worlds—the autumn beaches of Australia with their salt air and tide-washed shores, and the spectacular sugar maples of New York exploding in their "final glorious show" before surrendering to winter's grasp. Through vivid imagery and intimate reflections, he examines how seasonal transitions mirror life's own cycles of beauty and decline, joy and melancholy.

The narrative takes an unexpected turn as Shuttleworth weaves his autumn contemplations with poignant reflections on post-9/11 America, drawing subtle parallels between nature's inevitable rhythms and humanity's struggle to process collective trauma. His musings on forgiveness, compassion, and resilience emerge organically from observations of falling leaves and approaching snow, creating a tapestry of thought that's both deeply personal and universally resonant.

Most remarkable is the letter's evolution from reluctance to acceptance. As Shuttleworth bids farewell to autumn and steels himself for winter's arrival, listeners witness a transformation that speaks to the human capacity for adaptation and courage in the face of inevitable change. "Goodbye autumn, see you next year. I'm ready now, winter. Bring on the snow."

Listen to this moving narration and discover how a simple letter to a season can become a powerful meditation on what it means to embrace life's transitions with grace and determined optimism. Share your own reflections on seasonal changes and how they've shaped your perspective on life's inevitable transitions. 

This piece is available in Edition I of Voice Within: A Storybook by Storytellers.