Classic Poem

Come, Autumn, come again with sober bloom
And shed sweet fragrance on love's fair increase
Year upon year, from the faint far perfume
Of bridal rose till this glad day of peace.
Though some who smelt the rose
Are gone, and some of those
We love and wish were here, away,
Yet Autumn, let thy spirit consecrate the day.

When April smiles, the earth's broad bosom feels
The throb of life and sap that wakes her veins,
Delights therein alone; at April's heels
Sees not the following months and all their trains;
While these come all unguessed,
With rich experience blessed,
Growing on one stalk flower and thorn;
Though summer's heat and rain do tire, they ripe the corn.

Holds not the now maturer earth more dear
Thy mellow orchards and thy woodland pride,
Surveying the fruition of the year
Lying along the bounteous country-side?
O Spring is fresh and strong!
But vaster is thy song,
Filling the air with love fulfilled,
Love that hath given life, which love and life shall yield.