The Parish Church of St John-at-Hampstead

1/10/2010

Autumn David Jones

Autumn has a peculiar enchantment a certain eeriness with the year waning and deep glorious colours. It has fascinated writers, especially poets like Keats, Wordsworth, Shelley and Housman:  

“Tell me not here it needs not saying
What tune the enchantress plays
in aftermaths of soft September”

“On russet floors by waters idle
the pine lets fall its cone”

Often plays have been written with its atmosphere all pervading.  One that comes to mind is September Tide by Daphne du Maurier which had a run in the West End in 1948/9 with the wonderful Gertrude Lawrence as its star.  Du Maurier was of course unique in recreating that especial autumn magic in the villages and coast of Cornwall.

Many prefer late holidays with soft autumnal days away from the garish heat and light of summer.

So welcome autumn and all its late joys!