Pebbles and Shells (Hawkes collection)/October

by Clarence Hawkes

OCTOBER

October reigns o'er all the dreamy hills—Awake my soul, and lift thy voice in praise,And sing the glory of autumnal days,And voice the gladness of the heart that thrills,When to the brim the cup of nature fills.

Each mountain range is wrapped in dreamy hazeAnd through the gentle veil the sun's bright raysAre half subdued, and yet the power that chillsOn vine and bush has set its seal in bloodAnd far and near the pennons of the woodStream like a conflagration to the sky;Each blade and leaf, each tiny emerald thingUnto the pyre has brought its offeringAnd laid it there amid the flames to die.