WHILE not a leaf seems faded; while the fields, With ripening harvest prodigally fair, In brightest sunshine bask; this nipping air, Sent from some distant clime where Winter wields His icy scimitar, a foretaste yields Of bitter change, and bids the flowers beware; And whispers to the silent birds, "Prepare Against the threatening foe your trustiest shields." For me, who under kindlier laws belong To Nature's tuneful quire, this rustling dry Through leaves yet green, and yon crystalline sky, Announce a season potent to renew, 'Mid frost and snow, the instinctive joys of song, And nobler cares than listless summer knew. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...MOUNTAIN WATER by SARA TEASDALE THE [EXCELLENT] BALLADE OF CHARITIE by THOMAS CHATTERTON THE ATLANTIDES by HENRY DAVID THOREAU THE CAP AND BELLS by WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS THE BIRDS: THE HYMN OF THE BIRDS by ARISTOPHANES |