Thursday, November 17, 2011

AUTUMN IN THE AIR

I've always loved introducing my students to autumn poetry during our colorful autumn in New England. One of my favorites is Bliss Carmen's "Vagabond Song". Carmen, a Canadian, captures the true essence of autumn in his hauntingly beautiful poem. The music in this YouTube video is a perfect fit for  it. Take a minute to immerse yourself in the glory of autumn.


A Vagabond Song
by Bliss Carmen


There is something in the autumn that is native to my blood —
Touch of manner, hint of mood;
And my heart is like a rhyme,
With the yellow and the purple and the crimson keeping time.

The scarlet of the maples can shake me like a cry
Of bugles going by.
And my lonely spirit thrills
To see the frosty asters like a smoke upon the hills.

There is something in October sets the gypsy blood astir;
We must rise and follow her,
When from every hill of flame
She calls and calls each vagabond by name. 





Another Favorite Autumn Poem!


Download this FREE PDF file of yet another poignant autumn poem, Clay Harrison's poem "Autumn is Nature's Masterpiece". There are two handouts for students and a teacher's answer key. It includes literary elements and grammar skills.
Stanzas are in fall colors for projecting on an interactive board.
Practice identifying elements of literature and polish those grammar skills!


2 comments:

  1. Awesome,Ruth! Is it possible for me to post this post on my blog too with your button and name credited to it?
    Ann marie

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  2. Sure Ann Marie! That would be awesome. Your poem really made my morning brighter! I love teaching poetry!! Hope you enjoy Bliss Carmen's Vagabond Song :)

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