Langston Hughes
Songs of the Season: II. Poème d’Automne
[Verse 1]
The autumn leaves are too heavy with color
The slender trees on the Vulcan Road
Are dressed in scarlet and gold
Like young courtesans waiting
Waiting for their lovers

[Verse 2]
But soon the winter wind
Will strip their bodies
Bare

[Verse 3]
And then the sharp
Sleet-stung caresses of the cold
Will be their only love