European Elegies/Autumn (1)/The withered leaf
11.THE WITHERED LEAF
The sere leaf from the bough to-dayDrops swiftly to the autumn clay,And moves the meditative mindTo mark a moral for mankind.
For once she laughed with emerald thrillTo watch the dawn dream up the hill;Or minuetted in the breezeMid countless leafy companies.
But now the dew too heavy clingsUpon her faded flutteringsIn this chill air whose flagging breathBears her companions to their death.
No more may suns bring warm delight,Nor glad moons solace her at night,Nor can the gentle breezes bringOnce more the tender strength of spring.
She lived but to express in graceOne happy smile in nature's face,Until October cried "Destroy!"And slew her beauty and her joy.
From the Welsh of "Alun".