When autumn leaves are glowing, And purple haze pervades, I hear a far, high calling Above the ridge and glades. The wild geese there are honking Aloft in cloud-fleck'd sky, Far to the Southland homing, Like arrows straight they fly. Voices so wild, sweet, tender, Throbbing exultantly, They thrill my heart to utter Paeons of ecstasy! Sorrows and cares oppress me, Fetters my spirit bind, But still I hear their glad, free Melodies down the wind. O, wild geese weirdly honking, Triumphant, strong, and gay! "Courage," I hear them chanting, "Onward thy course and way." When gentians blue are gleaming, Witch hazel, -- pale and sweet, May life's last autumn, closing, Bring far-flung songs to greet. May Heaven's wings unfurling Lift me to upward flight, While caroling wild geese, calling, Chime softly through the night. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE CHARIOT by EMILY DICKINSON POETA FIT, NON NASCITUR by CHARLES LUTWIDGE DODGSON CLEOMENS, OR THE SPARTAN HERO: SONG by JOHN DRYDEN WORD-PORTRAITS: THE DESCRIPTION OF SIR GEOFFREY CHAUCER by ROBERT GREENE |