The following poem by Paul Laurence Dunbar is from Poets.Org and it’s in the
public domain. I’m sharing it (giving it a second airing, really) because it touches
me enormously and I’m so sure you will love it. Please enjoy.
“Merry Autumn” was originally published in Lyrics of Lowly Life (Dodd, Mead and Company, 1896).
It’s all a farce,—these tales they tell
About the breezes sighing,
And moans astir o’er field and dell,
Because the year is dying.
Such principles are most absurd,—
I care not who first taught ’em;
There’s nothing known to beast or bird
To make a solemn autumn.
In solemn times, when grief holds sway
With countenance distressing,
You’ll note the more of black and gray
Will then be used in dressing.
Now purple tints are all around;
The sky is blue and mellow;
And e’en the grasses turn the ground
From modest green to yellow.
The seed burrs all with laughter crack
On featherweed and jimson;
And leaves that should be dressed in black
Are all decked out in crimson.
A butterfly goes winging by;
A singing bird comes after;
And Nature, all from earth to sky,
Is bubbling o’er with laughter.
The ripples wimple on the rills,
Like sparkling little lasses;
The sunlight runs along the hills,
And laughs among the grasses.
The earth is just so full of fun
It really can’t contain it;
And streams of mirth so freely run
The heavens seem to rain it.
Don’t talk to me of solemn days
In autumn’s time of splendor,
Because the sun shows fewer rays,
And these grow slant and slender.
Why, it’s the climax of the year,—
The highest time of living!—
Till naturally its bursting cheer
Just melts into thanksgiving.
***
This poem is in the public domain.
Happy November. May the month remind us of our place in this world and about
how we have so much to be grateful for. Be safe, and I wish you miracles.
Photo: Autor’s Album.
Poem: © Paul Laurence Dunbar ~
Born on June 27, 1872, died on February 9, 1906, at the age of thirty-three.
Source: Poets.org
I’m a simple woman who dares to see the beauty in ordinary. I’d love to connect with you and like pen pals, I want something beautiful to blossom between us. Will you join me? Selma is my middle name. Its meaning—peaceful, complete, are euphoric affirmations I like to think of myself as having. They compliment the joy I feel when I write. I sincerely hope you decide to join me on my writing journey. I Wish You Miracles.
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This lifted my ❤️ Selma! Thanks for sharing 🤗 🍁
So glad. It did the same for me so I had to share it. Very happy you appreciated it. xoxo
Lovely and delightful – a true celebration of Autumn, which isn’t just about the losses – as the season culminates and offers the best of all that has come before – and a true reminder that without all the stages, from Winter’s domineering dormancy, to Spring’s rebirthing, and Summer’s coming of age to the fruition that is Fall – all are necessary and integral to the Whole. Truly wonderful and colourful and a gentle nudge to say, yes – give thanks – see the bigger picture!
Autumn is narrated in simple and delightful way. I liked this very much, Selma 🤗
I really appreciated that Dunbar poem. Wish I could express ideas that way. Maybe one day. 🤞 Glad you liked it too. Be well, dear Jane. You rock!
After practice you can express ideas that way. I like your writing style. You too be well and safe, Selma.❣️
Greatest compliment. Aww. xoxo
Thank you dear, xoxo
“Like sparkling little lasses;
The sunlight runs along the hills,
And laughs among the grasses.” Brilliantly beautiful!
Loved how you portrayed the beauty of nature and finished on a note relevant to thanksgiving. So many things to be grateful for! Today, I’m thankful to be able to read your wonderful work (and ofcourse, for having you as a pen pal 😉).
So so lovely!
Sam. Are you out there? Hey, Sam. I hope you are well. I’ve been thinking of you. I bless all your endeavors. Get in touch with me sometime soon. Xoxo I wish you miracles.
❤️ ty
Such a colourful leaves photos and the poem so awesome 👏 👍🏻🌹 viewing so much beautiful 🤩
All the colourful leaves enjoying Autumn 🍂 and ready to fall into the lap of Mother Earth for the
wonderful change of Seasons 🙏💗👌 beautiful celebration of 🍂 🎉 well wishes dear friend 🥰✍️
Thanks and glad you enjoyed the poem and photo too. Be safe and dry 😊
🌷🙏❤️🍁🌷
Ohh the author can hardly contain his intrigue—I love his unbridled enthusiasm for Autumn in the last few stanzas! Thank you for this share, it lifted my spirits today! 🍁🍂
Isn’t it just so amazing 🤩 this is another poem of this season I love. I almost thought of reciting this one too but something broke on website and am still gasping for air. 😮💨 thanks, Samantha. Glad it did that to your spirits. Stay up there. And safe. Xo
” … just melts into thanksgiving.” — Perfect. 🧡🙏
I know, right— perfect! Thanks for reading and commenting, Dora. Be safe.
I do love autumn. Winter not so much. (K)
I’d rather have two autumns or two springs. But 🤷🏽♀️… thanks, K. Be well and safe, please.
You too Selma.
Selma I love this poem so much!!!!
It pleases me to know you love it too 😊 It’s another amazing poem 👏🏽 💗 be well, dear one. I hope all are safe in your corner. XO
I hope you are well too Selma. We are just trying to stay warm over here. LOL
Stay warm. 🤗 S, my friend.
Bundled up as I work!