October Trees

"How innocent were these Trees, that in Mist-green May,

blown by a prospering breeze, Stood garlanded and gay;

Who now in sundown glow of serious colour clad

confront me with their show as though resigned and sad,

Trees, who unwhispering stand umber, bronze, gold;

Pavilioning the land for one grown tired and old;

Elm, chestnut, aspen and pine,

I am merged in you,

Who tell once more in tones of time,

Your foliaged farewell."
Siegfried Sassoon, October Trees