The autumn of life

October's tang fills the morning air,

And chainsaws whine across the glade.

Growing heaps of fresh-cut blackjack

That were yesterday's enticing shade.

The deep, dark green of field and woodland,

(Save for a cedar here and there)

Take on autumn's riotous colors,

While cob webs twine like witches' hair.

Wild ducks flying ever southward,

And geese are honking everywhere.

These are certain signs of autumn,

the sober, thoughtful time of year.

Beauties of nature, God's own display,

Frost jewels gleaming where once there was dew,

Lends a gentle hint--a warning--

Summer is over for me too.

Many summers have I witnessed,

Seen their beauties come and fade.

Seen the chilly blast of winter

Spread white blankets o'er the glade.

The spring of youth has long departed;

The summer of life is nearing its end.

I am entering the beautiful Autumn

That climaxes life for fortunate men.

Wintery blasts soon will be blowing.

Autumn's beauties will all fade.

Thick white blankets will be drifting

O'er the footprints I have made.

Then again will come the springtime.

Again the trees will cast their shade.

Those of us that are in our autumn

Will be sleeping in the glade.

Written by Charles E. Myers

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