Autumn Gifts and Graces

“Be glad then, and rejoice in the Lord your God.”

—JOEL ii. 23.

‘Tis autumn now; the corn is cut,
But other gifts for us are spread,
The purple plum, the ripe brown nut,
And pears and apples, streaked with red,
Among the dark green branches shine,
Or on the grass beneath them fall;
While full green clusters deck the vine
That trails o’er trellis, roof, and wall.

In our dear land the laden trees
Bespeak God’s providence and love;
He sends all needful gifts like these
For those who trust in Him above.
How good is He to make such choice
Of pleasant fruits for us to grow!
‘Tis meet, indeed, that we rejoice
In Him who loves His children so.

–anonymous

Meaning

This poem talks about autumn as a season of blessings. Even though the main harvest, like corn, is over, there’s still a lot to enjoy—fruits, nuts, and vines full of grapes. These gifts from nature are reminders of how generous God is. The poem encourages us to be thankful and happy because God keeps providing for us.

Literary Interpretation

The poem uses simple images from nature—trees, fruit, vines—to paint a picture of a full and peaceful autumn. It connects the season with faith, showing how the natural world is a sign of God’s care. The lines follow a gentle rhythm, and the rhyme helps make the message feel steady and calm. The last stanza ties everything back to trust and gratitude, showing that joy in the season comes from recognizing who made it all possible.