Across the sky cold clouds are driven, From tree and shrub bright leaves are riven

And at my feet are spread; Around me gaudy flowers gleam yellow, Fair Nature's still most royal color,

When sumac glimmers red.

The gentian in the marsh is hiding, There till the first cold frost abiding,

By hidden waters led; Through glistening leaves full shyly glancing, In bluest dress is still entrancing,

When sumac glimmers red.

The timid swallows southward turning, For brighter suns and flowers are yearning,

Mourning the glory fled. For now how soon is autumn waning, And now how fast is winter gaining,

When sumac glimmers red.

Though woods in brightest dress are gleaming, Their bravery is but in seeming,

Shadows fall overhead. The nights grow chill when close the flowers, A secret sadness fills the hours

When sumac glimmers red.

Sadly I turn from autumn's splendor Of leaves that glow in sad surrender.

And whisper "Youth hath fled." Vague shadows of the past close round me, Sorrow outlived again hath bound me

When sumac glimmers red.

- Elissa M. Moore, in Open Court.