Finis Coronat Opus

Leaves have fallen ‘neath the blue Sky, and from the hilltop’s view, Smoke is rising o’er the vale From the chimneys scattered there. Chilling breezes waft above Fallow fields, where lately doves Rose in flocks, when hunters decked Tables ‘round which friends have met. Frost bedecks the window panes As the winter’s breath regains All its chilly strength anew, First to touch the mist and dew.

They came in ships from lands afar, Fleeing persecution’s arm, Seeking homes where liberty Grew and flourished, as should be. They came and suffered o’er the years, Sickness, death, with quiet tears; Buried lay most in the ground, Yet they still proclaimed Christ’s crown. The seasons passed and God was kind; Hunts of hog and fowl and hind, Fruits aplenty, native gourds, Great abundance gave the Lord. They prayed and feasted, praising He Who had brought them faithfully Through the winters’ chilly dark Into days of gladdened hearts.

Sounds of battle through the day Swift are ebbing ‘neath dusk’s sway As the daylight fades, and dim Shadows cloak the fallen men. Into camp a soldier limps, Hoping soon to catch a glimpse  In the darkness ‘neath a tent Of a sorely wounded friend. Yon he lies, on coarsest sheet, But with brightest eye does meet Dearest friend, who through the fight Carried him from bitter plight. There they sit, as fire’s gleam Washes them in glimmer keen, Soothing war torn minds to ease, ‘Neath the shadow of the trees.

Baying, leaping, running swiftly, O’er the fields and pastures gaily, Through the thicket and the trees, Tracking quarry far with ease; Foxhounds swift, pursuing quickly, As the hunters follow hotly On their mounts, in scarlet clad, Such sport this autumn day to have. Beasts before and beasts pursuing Race with speed exhilarating  Through the beauteous fallen leaves, ‘Neath the flaming chestnut trees.