Autumn by Bliss Carman (1912)
In "Autumn," Bliss Carman explores the themes of change, decay, and rebirth through a series of vivid imagist poems. The collection is marked by a sense of melancholy and introspection, as the speaker reflects on the passing of time and the fleeting nature of life. Throughout the book, Carman employs rich, evocative language to evoke the colors, textures, and smells of the season. The poems are filled with imagery from nature, such as "the rustle of leaves" and "the golden light of sunset," which serve to underscore the themes of transformation and decay. Despite the somber tone, there is also a sense of hope and renewal in the collection. The speaker seems to suggest that even as things fade and die, they are reborn in some other form. This idea is reflected in poems such as "The Leaves" and "The Sunset," which end with images of new life and growth. Overall, "Autumn" is a beautifully crafted collection of poems that explores the complexities of the season and the human experience. Through her vivid imagery and evocative language, Carman creates a sense of intimacy and connection with the reader, inviting them to reflect on their own experiences of change and renewal.
By Bliss Carman · First published 1912 · Genre: Poetry, Nature writing · 152 words
First lines
Now when the time of fruit and grain is come, When apples hang above the orchard wall, And from the tangle by the roadside stream A scent of wild grapes fills the racy air, Comes Autumn with her sunburnt caravan, Like a long gypsy train with trappings gay And tattered colors of the Orient, Moving slow-footed through the dreamy hills. The woods of Wilton at her coming wear Tints of Bokhara and of Samarcand: The maples glow with their Pompeian red, The hickories with burnt Etruscan gold; And while the crickets fife along her march, Behind her banners burns the crimson sun.
What this Textopian page supports
Autumn is listed on Textopian as a poem by Bliss Carman, dated 1912 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Bliss Carman
- Date: 1912 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature writing
- Length: 152 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Autumn by Bliss Carman
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Autumn?
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Similar titles
- Pale Rose Leaves Have Fallen by Bliss Carman
- In Autumn by Alice Meynell
- Another Old Song by Edward Thomas
- Break Break Break by Alfred Tennyson
- When Early March Seems Middle May by James Whitcomb Riley
- The Last Walk In Autumn by John Greenleaf Whittier
Genres
- Poetry — Bliss Carman is a Canadian poet known for his lyric poetry. His work often communicates themes of nature, which is highly characteristic of the larger genre. 'Autumn' specifically represents these same elements.
- Nature writing — The book 'Autumn' as the title suggests, describes the season of Autumn, employing heavy nature-based imagery and themes. Thus fitting in the 'Nature writing' genre.
Tags
Nature · Seasonal · Poetry · Melancholy · Reflection · Romanticism · Symbolism · Fall · Colors · Leaves · Time · Aging