Autumn Road

Long is the autumn road before me, Mountains and valleys, blue distance far, All of this bears witness to God's glory, Who wrought the beauty that we are.

So autumn's palette, rich and splendid, Bestows upon us peace and bliss; The mountains wear their tapestries, descended From everlasting hands like this.

And down below, as gathered in a handful, Small towns with church spires reaching high, Invite us: "Come, we'd be so thankful, We welcome you, as friends draw nigh!"

And round about them, like a veil suspended— Patches of fields now cleared and bare, The harvest gathered, the season ended, From summer's bounty ripened fair.

Yellow flash of birches, scarlet blazing, Conifer groves in blue mirage— With the Creator's brush, amazing, A perfect landscape crowns the road.

One longs to pause and contemplate Where fires glow in every wood, With golden purity ornate— Fierce-burning bushes where they stood.

Soon the trees' bright beauty will be faded, The leaves again will fall and go, But now we're given time, persuaded The Lord in worthy praise to show!