Statues in auburn

Upon the earth descends a dwindling crown
A line of deciduous kings throned in ancient groves
The winds of October bear their royalty
A solemn veil of splendour before the winter's wrath

Standing tall on mountains
As light of autumn fades
Nature's sprawling statues
In fiery auburn shades

Sentries of the seasons
Betrothed to earth and sky
Raise their blazoned armour
Towards the heavens high

Unchallenged in their majesty
But by the strike of heaven's fire
The rage of the axe blade's swing
And the grinding of many ages passing

Morning brings chills from northern skies
Crystalline lies dew like stars on root and leaf

Signs that beckon life into retreat
Gliding down the road to slumber
Fir and ash and willow bow their heads
To stand through winter's judgement

Lifeless are the skies on autumn's waning days
Diffused in muted grey moves an endless sea along the woodlands
Cast no shadows under mighty kings
Suppress the reign of colour till the green dawn that brings us spring

Sentries of the seasons
Betrothed to earth and sky
Raise their blazoned armour
Towards the heavens high

Standing tall on mountains
As light of autumn fades
Nature's sprawling statues
In fiery auburn shades

Borne on October's winds