Woods In Autumn

As daylight fades in autumn skies

And birds wing home ‘mid clouds on high,

My sight is drawn to such a scene

As mortal eye has often seen

Yet glanc-ed o’er the setting fair

And heeding only worldly care.

Yon’ setting sun has cast his beam

(So golden bright its colors seem)

Against a stand of verdure tall

That sends its shade to cover all;

For tall indeed are oak and pine

And beechwood, fir, and maple fine.

The sunlight sets their leaves aflame,

Like glist’ning fur on lion’s mane,

Or armies bearing torch of gold,

Their steady tread to thus embold:

So lights the sun the forests dark

And streams forth rays where timber parts.

Tho’ shade enfolds the forest glade

In gloom so drear of shadow made 

(Yet mortal eye doth see it not,

Unless it be with grandeur fraught);

Yet beauty hid in darkness dim

Is set ablaze at daylight’s end.

Originally penned September 26th, 2018.