A Song of October

The alder wears its scarlet beads,
The clematis its downy seeds,
The sumach's deepening ruby gleams,
The birch in hues of topaz beams;
In golden bars through leafy doors
The sunshine falls on forest floors,
While the warm air with balsam breathes
A spicy odor from the trees.
The softened light, the veiling haze,
The calm repose of autumn days,
Steal gently o'er the troubled breast,
Soothing life's weary cares to rest.

Note: From The Queries Magazine, October 1890.