The transformation of the leaves from green to gold. The miracle of beauty that is a bird's plumage. The gift of self-expression using only pigment, water and paper. Despite all of the world's uncertainty and sadness, there is joy in the persistence of life and there is heartbreaking beauty in the sound of such joy.

"My life flows on in endless song
Above Earth's lamentation
I hear the real, though far off hymn
That hails the new creation
Above the tumult and the strife
I hear the music ringing;
It sounds an echo in my soul
How can I keep from singing?"

~Traditional, as interpreted by Pete Seeger