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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


LAST WEEK IN OCTOBER by THOMAS HARDY

Poet Analysis

First Line: THE TREES ARE UNDRESSING, AND FLING IN MANY PLACES
Last Line: TREMBLES, AS FEARING SUCH A FATE FOR HIMSELF ANON.

THE trees are undressing, and fling in many places --
On the gray road, the roof, the window-sill --
Their radiant robes and ribbons and yellow laces;
A leaf each second so is flung at will,
Here, there, another and another, still and still.

A spider's web has caught one while downcoming,
That stays there dangling when the rest pass on;
Like a suspended criminal hangs he, mumming
In golden garb, while one yet green, high yon,
Trembles, as fearing such a fate for himself anon.



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