Midwest Mary

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By

Mary K. Doyle

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Poem and Photos: Behind the Green Veils

Behind the Green Veils

Glorious trees, we wait in anticipation
for you to reveal your hidden beauty.
We wonder what hides behind your lovely green veils.
What gifts of color will you provide us?

Every autumn, your display is different.
The weather of the previous seasons
posed variables due to wind, rain, sun.
Yet, you superbly use what you’re given.

You provide us with surprising gifts of color
that dazzle and capture our attention
as your foliage explodes in fiery tones
of yellow, gold, orange, red, brown, and green.

Soon, you will shed your adornments down to your bones,
and your strength and courage will be revealed
until glistening snow and ice paint your branches
reminding us your beauty’s seasonal.

*** *** *** *** *** *** ***

Daylight is diminishing. The leaves are falling. And the temps are getting colder.

I went to a pretty, little park near me to capture the last of the season’s colorful leaves. I found some beautiful sights. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

***

Fox River

Island Park

Walking bridge with train tracks overhead crossing the Fox River

Day moon.

Photos: Island Park, Geneva, IL

©Mary K. Doyle, 2025

Looking for the perfect gift for a hostess, sick friend, or birthday. Tranquility Transformation Transcendence. The Enchanting Promises of Public Gardens contains 72 photos and poems that offer a moment of peace.

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Responses to “Poem and Photos: Behind the Green Veils”

  1. Dawna

    Awww Mary, such incredible captures of God’s amazing gifts for us. Thank you for sharing. I especially love the water and of course, the beautiful bridge. The colors are perfect in every way. Much love and hugs to you my dearest friend.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Autumn does bring us incredible joy. I hope you are feeling strong and well, dear Dawna.

      Reply
      1. Dawna

        Autumn sure does bring us joy, I agree. I am doing okay. One day at a time. Hugs and love to you Mary

        Reply
  2. Wandering Dawgs

    Beautiful gallery and poem! I love all the fall colors and the moon is incredible.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Welcome! Thank you for taking the time to check out this post and comment.

      Reply
  3. Rakesh K. Singh

    Absolutely beautiful!

    Your words remind me how deeply the trees mirror our own cycles of letting go and becoming.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Yes! So very true, Rakesh. One of our many life lessons taught to us by nature. Thank you for commenting.

      Reply
  4. Nancy Homlitas

    Lovely autumn poem and gorgeous images, Mary. Looking at all the gorgeous trees in their fall wardrobe reminds me of “Trees” by Joyce Kilmer. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      That is a lovely poem, Nancy. Thank you for reminding me of it. All the best to you.

      Reply
  5. gc1963

    Beautiful pics and an autumn poem

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, dear Geeta.

      Reply
  6. gustavo_horta

    Belo texto, belas imagens!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for your kindness, dear Gustavo.

      Reply
  7. destiny

    such beautiful images, Mary…
    and your poem…captures and expresses that “seasonal beauty” so well…🤍

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Destiny. Your words are greatly appreciated.

      Reply
      1. destiny

        my pleasure 🤍

        Reply
  8. Swamigalkodi Astrology

    Engaging

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Swamigalkodi.

      Reply
  9. P. J. Gudka

    Gorgeous images and really enjoyed the poem, every season has its own beauty to share with us.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You are so right, Pooja. I always appreciate your input, my friend.

      Reply
      1. P. J. Gudka

        Always a pleasure.

        Reply
  10. arlene

    Yay, love this Mary. And such amazing shots.😘

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Arlene. It’s a stunning time of year here in the Midwest. We are always impressed with Mother Nature’s display.

      Reply
  11. Michele Lee

    That lake, as smooth as glass, is breathtaking. Thank you so much for sharing your voice and the abundant beauty found during your park visit. 🍂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, my friend, Michele. We are richly blessed with colorful trees here in the Midwest. What a gift.

      Reply
      1. Michele Lee

        Truly! 💝

        Reply
  12. Monkey’s Tale

    Such a beautiful scene with the fall colours reflecting on the still river. And lovely words to describe the change of season. Maggie

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Maggie. I’m sure, when you’re traveling, you wonder how that area will look in another season. There’s always so much to see!

      Reply
      1. Monkey’s Tale

        You’re right, it would be so nice to see some places in a different season. If only there was enough time 😊

        Reply
  13. joannerambling

    Beautiful just beautiful

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Joanne. The scenery is stunning. We are expecting cold, and possibly snow, this weekend, so it will all change quickly.

      Reply
  14. Ronit Penso Tasty Eats

    Thanks for sharing this beautiful poem and photos. Fall is my favorite season. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I understand why you love the fall, Ronit. Blessings to you, my friend.

      Reply
  15. Eternity

    Mary Doyle, you are an amazing writer. I noticed a pic of a “Fox River” can you please tell me its location. Thank you.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Hello, my friend! The Fox is extensive. It runs 202 miles from the Wisconsin/Illinois border down south through Illinois.

      Reply
      1. Eternity

        Thank you. I have friends who live in Ottawa.

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          And that’s near the end of the line. Happy week to you, my friend.

          Reply
          1. Eternity

            Thank you very much

  16. Keep Calm & Drink Coffee

    Enchanting!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you!

      Reply
  17. LoveLifeHappiness&More💙💙

    So beautiful, Mary! ❤️

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, my friend.

      Reply
  18. philsblog01

    Beautiful post Mary! Similar to my neck of the woods!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Aren’t we blessed, Phil? Good to see you.

      Reply
      1. philsblog01

        Hi Mary! Yes we are! Enjoy it all while it lasts!

        Reply
  19. Rosaliene Bacchus

    Beautiful poem and photos, Mary.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Rosaliene. I appreciate your input.

      Reply
      1. Rosaliene Bacchus

        🙂 ❤

        Reply
  20. Edward Ortiz

    Wonderful poem, Mary, and the photos are amazing.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Edward. I’m sure there’s a lot of color near you, as well. I still have flowers, but it’s all coming to an end this weekend.

      Reply
      1. Edward Ortiz

        You’re welcome, Mary. Definitely! I have a beautiful tree next door that I see every morning. It lost some of its leaves over the past couple of days, but I’m sure they will be gone after this weekend.

        Reply
  21. johnlmalone

    wow !!!! love the photos, Mary esp the one with the walking bridge and that one with the scattering of birds. Enjoyed the poem too: the last two stanzas are superb !!!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, John. I’m so happy you enjoyed the poem and photos. I loved being out in the midst of it all.

      Reply
  22. kagould17

    Autumn is the best Mary. Have a great day. Allan

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Autumn is beautiful, my dear friend.

      Reply
  23. Praveen Yadav

    Wow…what lovely photos. I feel so happy when I read your posts. What a wonderful collection.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      That means a lot to me, Praveen. My goal is to spread joy and light.

      Reply
      1. Praveen Yadav

        Your blogs bring us so much joy. Keep it up dear Mary☺️☺️.

        Reply
  24. Louise Dimiceli-Mitran

    Beautiful, Mary! Can’t wait to see you soon, Love Louise

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Hi Louise, Can’t wait to see you too, my friend.

      Reply
  25. Joseph Glidden

    Very nice photos. It looks very peaceful.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I was so happy in the park, Joseph. What beauty.

      Reply
  26. Not all who wander are lost

    Incredible pictures, and beautiful words

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you so much. I appreciate you taking the time to comment.

      Reply
  27. Max Muhammad

    You your words picture and soul make Autumn timeless.truly divine.thank you

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you much, dear Mr. Max.

      Reply
  28. lenny unencumbered

    You’ve captured the change in colors beautifully. The season here in South Africa aren’t as distinct.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It’s an incredible time here, Lenny. Trees burn with color everywhere.

      Reply
      1. lenny unencumbered

        I spent an entire Summer in Canada in the 90s but had to return to SA just before fall set in. My uncle berated me for leaving before the Autumn colors started showing.

        I was very disappointed to miss the change in season as it is very vivid in Canada.

        Reply
  29. Precious Akinyemi

    The view is breath-taking! Love the colours and oh the poem is amazing❤️

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for your kindness, and welcome to Midwest Mary!

      Reply
  30. Dorothy’s New Vintage Kitchen

    You’ve definitely captured the season beautifully, Mary, in words and images as well! 💕❤️💕

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Dorothy. Your words are important to me.

      Reply
    2. Mary K. Doyle

      Hi Dorothy, I tried sending messages on your last few posts but received a message that said, “Nonce verification failed.” I also don’t receive notice of your posts in my email. Any thoughts?

      Reply
      1. Dorothy’s New Vintage Kitchen

        No idea! But I’ve long since stopped trying to figure out the gremlins. I know there are a few sites I cannot seem to respond to in Reader, have to go to their site. And I’m always pulling followers out of the trash!

        Reply
  31. Mags Win

    Nice poem and those photos are amazing. Such beautiful colors on the leaves.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Mags. I appreciate you.

      Reply
  32. Willie Torres Jr.

    WoW, Mary. Your words and photos bring so much peace. 🍂 These are stunning, you always seem to find the most wonderful places near us. Geneva is such a blessing. Honestly… if I could, I wouldn’t mind moving out there. Peaceful and wonderful. 🙏😊

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Geneva is stunning, but I no longer live there. We do have surrounding towns that are more reasonable yet beautiful, as well.

      Reply
      1. Willie Torres Jr.

        This whole state is becoming too expensive to live in. It doesn’t matter what town you’re in. the closer you get to Chicago, the worse it gets.

        Reply
  33. Violet Lentz

    It is safe to say autumn is in full swing in your little corner of the world! Beautiful presentation.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Violet. Autumn is in full swing here, and it’s glorious.

      Reply
  34. navasolanature

    What a beautiful piece of writing for the trees and the change of season. Yes, you capture a lot of nature around you in the sun too.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for your kind words. Blessings to you.

      Reply
  35. Penn,…

    An abundance of beautiful scenes of Autumn, Mary, …I played your audio, listening to you reciting your lovely poetic tribute to colourful and glorious Nature, …thank you for sharing, …and for the uplift, …💙

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You are welcome, Penn. Thank you for listening, reading, and commenting.

      Reply
      1. Penn,…

        Always a pleasure Mary, …💙🤗

        Reply
  36. SiriusSea

    Mary ❤ … Your beautiful voice, magical poetry, and vivid images create the music for the season, I so enjoy ~ 😀 Gorgeous gifts !!!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Ah, thank you, lovely Ms. Siri.

      Reply
  37. The Mindful Migraine Blog

    Fabulous photos – I love the last stanza of the poem too – beneath all the color, the tree’s real strength is laid bare – so good! Linda xx

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Hi Linda, thank you for your feedback. Today looks like winter with autumn in the past. Hugs to you.

      Reply
      1. The Mindful Migraine Blog

        Thanks MM, 💕

        Reply
  38. Lauren Scott, Author

    What a stunning post in every way, Mary. I love these warm and gorgeous fall colors. 🧡

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you so much, Lauren. I appreciate your kind words.

      Reply
      1. Lauren Scott, Author

        You’re welcome, Mary!

        Reply
  39. Awakening Wonders

    Your words, “reveal your hidden beauty” ring true throughout your photographic images!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you very much, Mary. All the best to you.

      Reply
  40. Amy

    What a fabulous series of fall colors, Mary! The poem is beautifully expressed.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for your kind comment, Amy. We were blessed with a striking fall.

      Reply
  41. Rebecca Cuningham

    The Fox River trees illustrate your poem so well. Wonderful verse, fresh take on autumn.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Rebecca. Does the Fox extend to where you live?

      Reply
      1. Rebecca Cuningham

        Well, it goes into Illinois, but I believe it’s course is east of us in Madison.

        Reply
  42. chevytravel12

    What beautiful photos. I love looking at trees as I reckon they have so much character especially the old narly ones.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Yes! You are so right. The old ones have a lot of character. Great to see you here.

      Reply
      1. chevytravel12

        I enjoyed my visit

        Reply
  43. Mid-Life Mama

    Thank you for sharing this serene, colorful walk! God’s stunning creation!🙌🏻🍁🍂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It was a magnificent fall her. We quickly transitioned to winter. Have a great day.

      Reply
  44. safia begum

    “Beautiful imagery! 🍂 The changing colors behind the green veils capture nature’s ever-surprising magic.”

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Safia. I’m happy you enjoyed the poem and photos.

      Reply
  45. Dawn Pisturino

    Fabulous photos, Mary!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Dawn. I was excited to share the photos. I’m glad you liked them.

      Reply
  46. Kym Gordon Moore

    What a beautiful, poetically, photographic snapshot of the art of Mother Nature’s transformative magic Mary. Beautiful poem to complement her masterpiece my dear friend. 🙏🏼 Hugs and smooches! 🤗🍁😘💖🥰

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you so much, Lady Kym. Lots of love back to you!

      Reply
      1. Kym Gordon Moore

        Awwww, I receive that my dear Mary! Hugs and smooches my friend! 🤗💖😘

        Reply
  47. LaDonna Remy

    This is a lovely poem and beautiful photos, Mary. ❤️

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, LaDonna. It was an exciting time to see all the colors.

      Reply
      1. LaDonna Remy

        ❤️

        Reply
  48. Beth Foster

    Beautiful Mary 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Beth. I appreciate you stopping by.

      Reply
  49. Hazel

    Amazing photos that all will adore. Your poem speaks about its alluring beauty, Mary. Enjoy your lovely environment there. Hugs.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Hazel. We already have moved on into winter. Most of the leaves are down and the temperatures are cooler. Hugs to you, Sweetie.

      Reply
      1. Hazel

        I smiled about the sweetie! Thanks, Mary. And you’re always welcome. Winter is a beautiful season, too.

        Reply
  50. Susana Cabaço

    A wonderful set of photos and a very precious poem! A delight to nature lovers like me! Thank you, Mary, for this natural treat! Much enjoyed! With deep appreciation, sending you light and blessings and wishing you a peaceful day, my friend 💖🙏✨🍀

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, lady of light and blessings.

      Reply
  51. johnlmalone

    I love that last stanza, Mary — and the festivity of fotos: OMG such gorgeous colours; I’m going back for another look ; what a way to start one’s day; thanks Mary 🙂 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It was an autumn that lit us up every time we looked. Thank you, John.

      Reply
  52. johnlmalone

    my favourite ? the one just above the walking bridge photo —

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thanks, John. I’m going back to check which one that was.

      Reply
  53. carolinestreetblog

    Beautiful images and matching poetry!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Caroline!

      Reply
  54. Sharon’s Writers Tidbits

    Breathtaking scenery! Lovely photographs! 🌸

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Sharon. I appreciate your comment and presence here.

      Reply
      1. Sharon’s Writers Tidbits

        My pleasure, Mary! Have a wonderful week! 🌸

        Reply
  55. Kimberly Vargas Agnese

    Love the science and beauty in this poem:)

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Kimberly.

      Reply
  56. spotlightchoices.com-C. Wilson

    Enjoyed your beautiful autumn poem!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you! And now, we are approaching winter. BRRRR. All the best to you.

      Reply
      1. spotlightchoices.com-C. Wilson

        You’re welcome – yes winter is approaching!

        Reply
  57. da-AL

    gorgeous in all ways – and you have such a lovely voice!

    Reply

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