The Last Walk in Autumn
The poem describes a solitary walk on an autumn day, with the speaker reflecting on the passing of time and the fleeting nature of life. The season's decline serves as a metaphor for the inevitability of death and the transience of human existence. The speaker's introspection is marked by a sense of melancholy and resignation, yet also a deep appreciation for the beauty of the natural world.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1858 · Genre: Poetry, Nature Writing, Romanticism · 1,917 words
First lines
I. O'er the bare woods, whose outstretched hands Plead with the leaden heavens in vain, I see, beyond the valley lands, The sea's long level dim with rain. Around me all things, stark and dumb, Seem praying for the snows to come, And, for the summer bloom and greenness gone, With winter's sunset lights and dazzling morn atone.
II. Along the river's summer walk, The withered tufts of asters nod; And trembles on its arid stalk The boar plume of the golden-rod. And on a ground of sombre fir, And azure-studded juniper, The silver birch its buds of purple shows, And scarlet berries tell where bloomed the sweet wild-rose!
What this Textopian page supports
The Last Walk in Autumn is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1858 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: John Greenleaf Whittier
- Date: 1858 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature Writing, Romanticism, Philosophical, Lyric
- Length: 1,917 words
- Structure: 1 section, 28 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Last Walk in Autumn by John Greenleaf Whittier
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Similar titles
- At Eventide by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Another Old Song by Edward Thomas
- October by Robert Frost
- The Grave By The Lake by John Greenleaf Whittier
- In November by Madison Cawein
- Evening by Emily Dickinson
Genres
- Poetry — The work is primarily a collection of lyrical verses that explore themes of nature, seasons, and personal reflection.
- Nature Writing — The vivid descriptions of landscapes, seasons, and natural phenomena are central to the text.
- Romanticism — The emphasis on emotion, nature, and individual experience aligns with the characteristics of Romantic literature.
- Philosophical — The text contains contemplative reflections on life, existence, and the human condition.
Tags
Autumnal · Poetry · Nature · Seasonal · Reflection · Mortality · Loss · Grief · Nostalgia · Memory · Time · Change