Autumn

Autumn spills a chilly blast

Out the tankard of the morning:

Bee and Man prepare for fast

That Winter threats, by vigorous storing:

Hoard they honey, flesh and fruit,

Edible Good, whatever suit;

Autumn spill your chilly blast,

The garnered store will warmth recruit!

Autumn sails before the mast:

Autumn viking his wild-blown locks;

Deep their nets the fishermen cast,

Heap they high the silvery stocks.

Swarthy arms the ripe-grain mow;

Whirl and eddy the tanned chaff blow.

Winnow grain! Spoil amass!

Like fresh red apples young cheeks aglow!

With sweetness bulge and juicy fall

Plums purple yellow, pears huge brown - flecked:

Yesterday's blossom is beyond recall,

With cherry earrings present Beauty deck:

Chrysanthemum blooms the lilies replace;

December rose will bud apace:

Like puppy unleashed the wind is in chase

Of springtime adornments, it leaps, scampers, pants:

Press out the cider! Fruition never recants.