DROUTH IN AUTUMN

By Madison Julius Cawein

Gnarled acorn-oaks against a west

Of copper, cavernous with fire;

A wind of frost that gives no rest

To such lean leaves as haunt the brier,

And hide the cricket's vibrant wire.

Sear, shivering shocks, and stubble blurred

With bramble-blots of dull maroon;

And creekless hills whereon no herd

Finds pasture, and whereo'er the loon

Flies, haggard as the rainless moon.