Two hundred years ago the Romantic poet John Keats was taking an afternoon October walk by a riverside in England. After reflection on this experience he wrote his “Ode to Autumn”, which begins with the lines “Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, close- bosom friend of the maturing sun”. Who among us does not think of these words as autumn arrives each year?
I have a friend who has, for many years stated that autumn is her favourite season. I have to say it has never been mine. I love the excitement and newness and promise of Spring and the fullness of Summer. I find it hard to let go of the bright months. However as I am now in what I would consider to be the autumn years of my life I thought it might be time for me to reflect on and develop, at least, a very good relationship with autumn. I looked to some of our poets to see what they were saying. W.B. Yeats’ clear statement “The trees are in their Autumn beauty “ easily came to mind or the pathos of Patrick Kavanagh’s “Raglan Road” sung by Luke Kelly with the opening line “On Raglan Road on an Autumn day I saw her first and knew…” Joyce Rupp in her “Prayer for Autumn days” writes about the trees saying good bye to their green, letting go of what has been. Having looked at some poetry I decided to think about my actual experience of the season.
The colours are vibrant and beautiful, the crimson, yellow, orange, russets, bronzes, browns, amber and golds are a stunning sight to behold as the trees let go of their leaves and make room for the new to emerge.
The sky can be blue with wonderful white clouds and sometimes it is very grey and dense and other times there is a brightness that shines through the grey.
The sunrises and sunsets are magnificent in their reds and yellows and golds. The luscious red apples, glowing blackberries, that can become purple and the shining chestnuts and acorns help us to stop and remember and wonder.
The majestic, silver harvest moon reminds us that this is a time for harvesting and giving thanks for all the gifts that we are given.
As we walk by the seaside we may be lucky to catch a glimpse of the long-legged heron and oyster catcher. These imposing waders are a delight to behold.
Shorter days and longer nights bring their own atmosphere, the air can be chillier and the light has its own slant. The wind can be light or fierce. The rain can be heavy or light. We can draw the curtains, light the fire, listen to the wind and be happy or sad depending on our mood.
As I think about it I realise that autumn brings a little bit of everything and I am beginning to value that. I am ready to say thanks for it all and to realise more fully that “there is a season for everything and a time for every purpose under heaven”.
Winnie Lynott rsm
Northern Province
