An Autumn Walk with Deborah

Over the limp and sallow grasses, Deborah, will you walk with me? You may gather gentians in purple masses And honeypods from the locust tree.

Brown leaves cover the partridge berry. Holding it safe for your eager hand. Barberry bright and cornelian cherry Offering scarlet jewels stand.

I shall dress you up as an elf-queen, twining Bittersweet wreaths for your golden head ; Your leaf-brown cloak with its orange lining I shall hang with garlands yellow and red.

Let us leave this place while the sunlight lingers Lest the elves should covet your beauty bright. The gentians fall from your tired fingers As I carry you home through the fading light.