More Thoughts of Autumn

Loving the full cycle of seasons

                           Autumn Birds
                   (John Clare, 1793-1864)

     The wild duck startles like a sudden thought,
     And heron slow as if it might be caught.
    
The flopping crows on weary wings go by
    
And grey beard jackdaws noising as they fly.
    
The crowds of starnels whizz and hurry by,
    
And darken like a clod the evening sky.
    
The larks like thunder rise and suthy round,
    
Then drop and nestle in the stubble ground.
    
The wild swan hurries hight and noises loud
    
With white neck peering to the evening clowd.
    
The weary rooks to distant woods are gone.

John Clare was an English poet from Northamptonshire. I have read only a few of his poems, but having just filled my birdfeeders and noting how much more they are being used since the bug count has diminished, I was enchanted with his words. He was very aware of nature’s autumnal transformations and thus my choice of poetry for today (pleasant old English and all).

The first gaggle of geese and small flock of ducks have zoomed over my mountain hideaway on their journey south. The lovely little hummingbirds that entertained me all summer are no doubt sipping margaritas and sunning themselves in Mexico by now, having left a full two weeks ago. The flopping crows on weary wings are omnipresent, stealing whatever they can, making way too much noise—and planning to stick around.

The wonderful news of October is that those who to distant woods are gone will return again. I love the full cycle of seasons—spring’s awakening, hot stormy summer, resplendent fall, and brilliant winter—I rejoice with expectancy!

By Gael Stuart
The Silver Sage Blog