Autumn Song by Katherine Mansfield

Now’s the time when children’s noses
All become as red as roses
And the colour of their faces
Makes me think of orchard places
Where the juicy apples grow,
And tomatoes in a row.

And to-day the hardened sinner
Never could be late for dinner,
But will jump up to the table
Just as soon as he is able,
Ask for three times hot roast mutton–
Oh! the shocking little glutton.

Come then, find your ball and racket,
Pop into your winter jacket,
With the lovely bear-skin lining.
While the sun is brightly shining,
Let us run and play together
And just love the autumn weather.

This poem is cheerful and bestows a sense of energy on the readers. It is a season of fun and thanksgiving. The effect of autumn on the children’s faces makes them look lovely and adorable when the poet uses the images of roses, orchard, apples and tomatoes to describe them. The little sinner jumps up to the table on the day of thanksgiving and have a happy feast despite his little gluttony. As the cold winter will be coming, the poet invites both children and adults to take the chance to run and play together in this good autumn weather and have some fun. It is a season of joy and happiness.