THE SONG OF AUTUMN
(A.L.Gordon/E.Elgar)

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 where 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 I go where the last year’s lost leaves go
At the falling of the year

Elgar put music to this lovely poem by Adam Lindsay Gordon.   The poem reminds me of one of my favourite poems by G.M Hopkins - 'Spring and Fall' to which Natalie Merchant has put a tune.

Youtube clip

Adam Lindsay Gordon

--Stewie.