Autumn Wisdom

Wooded Path in Autumn (1902) by Hans Andersen Brendekilde

In forest under Autumn sheen

A spell both young and old

Trickles down and in between

Leaves of ruby and gold.

Through nose and eye and down to heart

The magic of the trees

Sings in whispers to soul impart

The wisdom of the breeze.

And so it is that woodlands speak

To men and maidens fair:

“Summer’s ache of wood green and sleek

Is balm in winter air.”

Dedication: To J. R. R. Tolkein