A SONG OF AUTUMN 



'' Where shall we go for our garlands glad 



At the falling of the year, 

 When the burnt-up banks are yellow and sad, 



When the boughs are yellow and sere ? 

 Where are the old ones that once we had, 



And when are the new ones near ? 

 What shall we do for our garlands glad 



At the falling of the year ? " 



*' Child! can I tell where the garlands go ? 



Can I say where the lost leaves veer 

 On the brown-burnt banks, when the wild 

 winds blow, 



When they drift through the dead-wood 

 drear ? 

 Girl ! when the garlands of next year glow, 



You may gather again, my dear — 

 But / go where the last year's lost leaves go 



At the falling of the year." 



