Autumn and Beyond

   Disconsolately dripping,
Autumn’s trees are full of mist;
   October’s dawn winds nipping,
By black-lipped blight their leaves are kist.

   Soon frost will come a’stripping

Leaves and fruits from frozen branches;
   Snow by gales sent tripping
Will pack the lime trees’ grey-barked haunches.

   Ice, the wood walks gripping,

Mud and mulch the murky day,
   December’s glooms are slipping
Through blackened trees and sleeting spray.

   Come April, rain squalls whipping

Blossom flakes to pink the sky
   Will slap the tough bees sipping
The willow flower’s brimmed nectary.

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© October 2014