Autumnal fruits and flowers

The mornings are misty and remind us that we are in Autumn even though later in the day the sun is still warm enough for summer dresses. Nature is definitely changing her wardrobe and bringing out mellow golden robes, purple studded shrubs and ruby berries to adorn the hedgerows. Here and there flowers that wilted in the heat of summer are putting on a final show before the cold weather arrives. Here is a poem by William Henry Davies that vividly describes the joys of Autumn.

Rich Days

Welcome to you, rich Autumn days,

Ere comes the cold, leaf-picking wind;

When golden stocks are seen in fields,

All standing arm-in-arm entwined;

And gallons of sweet cider seen

On trees in apples red and green.

With mellow pears that cheat our teeth,

Which melt that tongues may suck them in;

With blue-black damsons, yellow plums,

Now sweet and soft from stone to skin;

And woodnuts rich, to make us go

Into the loveliest lanes we know.