Upon the earth descends a dwindling crown
A line of deciduous kings throned in ancient groves
The winds of October bear their royalty
A solemn veil of splendour before the winter's wrath
Standing tall on mountains
As light of autumn fades
Nature's sprawling statues
In fiery auburn shades
Sentries of the seasons
Betrothed to earth and sky
Raise their blazoned armour
Towards the heavens high
Unchallenged in their majesty
But by the strike of heaven's fire
The rage of the axe blade's swing
And the grinding of many ages passing
Morning brings chills from northern skies
Crystalline lies dew like stars on root and leaf
Signs that beckon life into retreat
Gliding down the road to slumber
Fir and ash and willow bow their heads
To stand through winter's judgement
Lifeless are the skies on autumn's waning days
Diffused in muted grey moves an endless sea along the woodlands
Cast no shadows under mighty kings
Suppress the reign of colour till the green dawn that brings us spring
Sentries of the seasons
Betrothed to earth and sky
Raise their blazoned armour
Towards the heavens high
Standing tall on mountains
As light of autumn fades
Nature's sprawling statues
In fiery auburn shades