October

ACROSS the land a faint blue veil of mist

Seems hung; the woods wear yet arrayment sober

Till frost shall make them flame; silent and whist

The drooping cherry orchards of October

Like mournful pennons hang their shrivelling leaves 5

Russet and orange: all things now decay;

Long since ye garnered in your autumn sheaves

And sad the robins pipe at set of day.

Now do ye dream of Spring when greening shaws

Confer with the shrewd breezes and of slopes 10

Flower-kirtled and of April virgin guest;

Days that ye love despite their windy flaws

Since they are woven with all joys and hopes

Whereof ye nevermore shall be possessed.