Autumn in New England



Autumn
paints New England,
staining hillsides, wrapped
in red,

garnishing the trail
beneath my steps.

The season spills
like cabernet across
a changing landscape;
where the maples
bleed
their aging, amber
leaves.

I stroll
amidst the falling flames,
below the blazing
treetops,
the crisp air thick
with life, that's soon
to rest.

I walk
through spreading fire,
listen to leaves, their stories
rustling underfoot–
As Autumn’s vivid,
vibrant gift prepares
to vanish
from the view.

And I 
have never known
another place, to burn
so bright in red defiance,
and I stand, here
in the art of it– I breathe
inside this portrait
of an Autumn
in New England.

Humbled, though
it hurts
to hold what lingers
and what leaves
in just one breath–

A quiet, crimson sorrow
cloaked
in boldest, brightest
hues–
where the branches bare
their warmth in
celebration–

where the greens
refuse
to simply fade to gray.

One last breath
of leaf and smoke,
one final stroll
beneath the burning trees,
another look before
the fire dies
in winter's restless
wind.

And when
the reds lie blanketed
in white
upon the hillsides of
New England,

I'll think of Autumn’s color, and
let go;

Knowing that I had it–
if only
for a season.
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Submitted by JessicaWheeler on November 11, 2024

1:15 min read
234

Quick analysis:

Scheme ABXX XX XXXXXCD EXXXXXX XCFXGXXX XXXXXXXAB HXXDI HXXJXKL XJX IXEFXXXX KGXXB BH XXL
Closest metre Iambic dimeter
Characters 1,236
Words 247
Stanzas 13
Stanza Lengths 4, 2, 7, 7, 8, 9, 5, 7, 3, 8, 5, 2, 3

Jessica Wheeler

 · New Haven

Jessica Wheeler is a writer and poet from Branford, Connecticut, where she resides with her husband and two young daughters. Her creative journey began at a young age, with a strong foundation in music and performing arts. Today, Jessica is an active poet on numerous platforms. Her work has been published in several poetry anthologies and on websites dedicated to the complexities of loss and grief. more…

All Jessica Wheeler poems | Jessica Wheeler Books

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Discuss the poem Autumn in New England with the community...

10 Comments
  • karlcfolkes
    Oh, thank you, Jessica. I meant to state that the popular hit song was composed by the musician Pete Seeger. Indeed, everything at some time in the life of matter will fall. But in time, they will also be transformed, rise again and be joyfully renewed. 
    LikeReply11 days ago
  • karlcfolkes
    Dear Jessica,
    Your lovely poem has a rich biblical application, as in Kohelet, the Hebrew book of Ecclesiastes, Chapter 3, Verse 1 which, in reflecting on the transience of life, King Solomon observes that there is a season for everything in human nature. The popular Denver hit song, “Turn Turn Turn” echoes this sentiment. 
    LikeReply 111 days ago
    • JessicaWheeler
      Oh, thank you so much, this made me smile! Xoxo
      LikeReply11 days ago
  • philmaund
    Many people try to capture autumn and the changing of the colours, but nearly all are predictable and filled with clichés. This is vivid, original and emotive. With a poignant twist at the end. Loved it (as always)! 
    LikeReply 111 days ago
    • JessicaWheeler
      I am honored! Thank you, Phil, for your support. It really means a lot to me. Xo
      LikeReply11 days ago
  • Azinello
    a colorful feeling of loneliness in autumn London... a wonderful poem! Azinello
    LikeReply 111 days ago
  • susan.brumel
    Another beauty. “I’ll think of Autumn’s color and let go” -my favorite line.
    LikeReply 111 days ago
    • JessicaWheeler
      Thank you, my friend! I'm so glad you picked out that line. Xoxo
      LikeReply11 days ago
  • karlcfolkes
    Thank you, Jessica. You’ve created here a painting of the kaleidoscope of the seasons, mirrored in the majestic glow of autumn, birthed from the blossoming of springtime and the luxurious cornucopia of summer, carpeting the soil, before winter covers all with her igloo blankets for housing. 
    LikeReply11 days ago
  • npirandy
    My very favorite time of year is autumn. Albeit the shortest season. But I do enjoy the 4 seasons for their own worth. This aptly portrays the beauty and spirit of autumn.
    Once again, you've captured a moment! Well done, Jess!! 
    LikeReply12 days ago
  • www.amirhoseinam222
    با خواندن این شعر، من واقعا مشتاق دیدن نیوانگلند بودم، اما یک روز به آن رسیدیم
    LikeReply12 days ago
  • katongochanda1
    Autumn in New England as touched the soft part of My heart. Its one poem which as taken me into time and space.....
    LikeReply12 days ago
  • angien.26919
    Now I want to see autumn in New England.
    LikeReply 112 days ago

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"Autumn in New England" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 23 Nov. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/204234/autumn-in-new-england>.

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