Fireweed

When I lived in Montana, fall's harbinger was watching the fireweeds lose there blossoms. Within a few weeks of all the flowers falling to the ground we would get our first snow of the fall. It does not happen that quickly here in Utah, but when I see the fluffy seed heads on the fireweed, I know fall has arrived. I look for the first cold front and dark clouds in the northwest sky. I think about cyclocross season. I think about snow, mud, tights, arm warmers, and cold toes.

The last pink petals
From the Epilobium
Just fell to the ground.