Late Autumn

By William Allingham

October - and the skies are cool and gray O'er stubbles emptied of their latest sheaf, Bare meadow, and the slowly falling leaf. The dignity of woods in rich decay Accords full well with this majestic grief That clothes our solemn purple hills to-day, Whose afternoon is hush'd, and wintry brief Only a robin sings from any spray. And night sends up her pale cold moon, and spills White mist around the hollows of the hills, Phantoms of firth or lake; the peasant sees His cot and stockyard, with the homestead trees, Islanded; but no foolish terror thrills His perfect harvesting; he sleeps at ease.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a contemplative reflection on the transition from autumn to winter, where nature's quiet and majestic decay mirrors the human experience of loss and change. The poet uses vivid imagery to depict a detailed landscape, creating a sense of melancholic beauty. The 'cool and gray' skies, 'slowly falling leaf', and 'solemn purple hills' personify nature in a state of transition, invoking feelings of serenity and calm.

The poem's structure follows a traditional rhyme scheme, which provides a rhythmic cadence to the narrative, allowing the reader to flow seamlessly through the shifts in scenery. The use of alliteration, such as 'slowly falling leaf', and metaphor, 'night sends up her pale cold moon', enriches the sensory experience, amplifying the atmospheric tranquility and the poem's thematic depth. The poet's choice of a robin singing as the only source of sound amplifies the quietness of the scene, creating an echo of solitude that underscores the poem's primary tone.

Finally, the poem concludes with a comforting note of peace and acceptance. The 'peasant', untroubled by the encroaching winter, represents the human capacity for resilience and contentment amidst change, reinforcing the central idea that there is beauty and dignity in the natural cycle of life and decay. Overall, this poem is a poignant exploration of the human condition as reflected through the lens of the changing seasons.

Understanding the Sonnet

The sonnet is one of the most enduring and celebrated forms of poetry, known for its strict structure and profound themes. With a history spanning centuries, sonnets have been used to explore love, beauty, politics, and mortality, all within the confines of just 14 lines.


Sonnets are characterized by their precise form and rhyme scheme, which vary depending on the type of sonnet. Here’s a closer look:

  • Shakespearean (English) Sonnet: Composed of three quatrains followed by a final couplet, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCDCDEFEFGG. This form often builds a complex argument or narrative, culminating in a powerful closing statement.
  • Petrarchan (Italian) Sonnet: Divided into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines), with a typical rhyme scheme of ABBAABBA for the octave, followed by various patterns in the sestet such as CDECDE or CDCDCD. The octave usually presents a problem, with the sestet providing a resolution.
  • Meter: Sonnets are traditionally written in iambic pentameter, which gives the poem a rhythmic and melodic quality that enhances its emotional impact.

The sonnet’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to condense complex emotions and ideas into a small but potent package, making it a favorite form for poets seeking to explore profound themes with precision and elegance.