One of the better sonnets I wrote.
Op. 20, no. 12
First Fall
When lofty trees I see barren of leaves,
I know that Winter's reign has just begun:
This sunbeam touchèd heart but partly grieves
The glory days of lovely summer's run.
Indeed, the rain that customary falls
Is dark and brooding, deviously wetâ€"
A tortur'd soul who answers Autumn's calls
Reluctantly, and makes the world upset.
But brave through this and pass the doleful rains!
A newer chill has fallen as a balm
To soothe in whitened purity Earth's pains
And set right in the hearts of man a calm.
A sign of peace that even children know:
The first fall of the winter's ice and snow.
