Autumn

I have cast aside my brushes and paints, Leaving behind my cozy walls, And trudged through puddles and hummocks. Outside, the artist Autumn Gives lessons at bargain prices To all who desire them!

She came to us almost silently And in a very short span Offers three or four sessions, And I, like a diligent boy, Attend her lessons, Having seized upon this chance.

I learn to paint white over blue, I learn to paint wet over wet, Without any auxiliary grid... Oh, Autumn! How bright, how bold, You change the green to ochre, And the ochre to naked branches!

And that burst of falling leaves beneath the wind, Which you scattered so thickly? And the birds flying southward?! And there's no great secret in it, That by our date of birth and sorrow We suit each other so well.

Come then, let us postpone the snowstorms With this sad, autumn picture, Forgetting of winter and summer! ...But suddenly, unnoticed by others, A snowflake fallen from heaven Put a period to the verse.

November 7, 2017