With faint dry sound

November Night

Listen…
With faint dry sound,
Like steps of passing ghosts,
The leaves, frost-crisp’d, break from the trees
And fall.

The above is a fall ‘cinquain’ by the American poet Adelaide Crapsey (1878-1914).   The poem resembles the Japanese haiku form in that its central image is formed of two elements: in this case of this cinquain, the falling leaves and the steps of the ghosts.  Crapsey was born and lived in New York throughout her life, dying from tuberculosis at aged 36.  Crapsey’s cinquains followed a strict pattern offering a steady progression, followed by a sudden retreat or falling away to nothing.

Fall always seems to be a time for quiet reflection, especially if you can find a place to be alone.   As the leaves begin to change, we are reminded of the changes in our own lives.  It also seems a time to wind down from what often is a hectic summer. Best of all, fall leads us into the holiday seasons hopefully full of family, friends, and fellowship.

A quick scan of a decent bookstore (yes, a few still exist) or of the Internet will quickly tell you that fall has inspired many great poets and writers.  Some address the natural beauty of the season but many see fall as inspiration in addressing the transience of life, aging, mortality, and acceptance of loss.

However, even when used for addressing those subjects which might seem morbid or depressing I personally find comfort because fall marks a natural rhythm or a transition, not a final note or ending but one part of a greater whole and a continuance.  Plus, the colors are often wonderful…but perhaps not exactly the same colors as above.  👀 LOL