A Blog Posting from Ruth at Teacher Park

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 a supplemental literature and grammar skills activity to use with
 Clay Harrison's poem "Autumn is Nature's Masterpiece"
There is a handout for students and a teacher's answer key. 

Practice identifying elements of literature and polish those grammar skills!

Fall Poem Activity Literary Elements Grammar Skills with Answer Key - Ann Marie Smith - TeachersPayTeachers.com

Thanks to Ruth at Teacher Park for featuring one of my products on her blog!!

Autumn is Nature’s Masterpiece

by Clay Harrison

Autumn is Nature's masterpiece

When every tree's aglow;

Before the leaves have fallen

And the hills are white with snow. 

The bounty of the harvest

Is a treasure to behold,

For the fruits of our labor

Are more valuable than gold. 

There's a change in the weather

That fills the heart with cheer;

With the holidays approaching

In the twilight of the year.

There's a feeling of thanksgiving

That comes to one and all;

When we count our many blessings

As the leaves begin to fall.