Sun no longer scorching
Meadows gently relaxing
Mountain peaks standing proud
Essential energy abounding
The joy of life is so very real
And as if in consequence of my reflective air
My mind in these mellow autumn days
Turns to thoughts of rare contemplation
A certain stillness and imminent dawning of change arouses me
Asking my very soul as to how I can best prepare
Ready to apply my reserves of generous energy
In recognition of a task ahead as yet unknown
This is the urgent question demanding of me
As is my way when such mood embraces me
I turn to my surroundings to better understand my inclination
And it is in the silence of the peaks, the proud stance of rocky towers, and in the natural evolution of mountain colours
I realise the essential truth of what awaits me
It will not be I to determine the change I seek
For I will be gently led by Mother Nature
To fulfil each just cause as the calmness of her reign so decides
And it is the vibration and joy of life which will take me on the way
As little more than an expression of a greater force to which as always I gladly succumb
Personal take
Spring is oft spoken of as the season of new beginnings, of rebirth, of planning, and of concerted energy. For others spring can be a little warm and soggy and it is in autumn that the essential force of life expresses itself. This can be particularly the case in a mountain landscape where the final days of summer are gentle and reassuring and yet the change of colours begins to give way to imminent change and almost a release of stored up energy.
Essentialism in the hands of Mother Nature is the thread of the poem and the willingness to be led by that force is gladly accepted.
The emphasis of ‘ing’ in opening verse gives the energy and bounce to the whole prevailing mood.
There is much to do with Wordsworth in the melancholic yet forceful imposition of the poet’s thoughts. Almost a sense of envy can be had in that the writer is so content with his destiny and knowing of the force of nature to take him on his way.