From flower to fruit

How innocent were these Trees, that in
Mist-green May, blown by a prospering breeze,
Stood garlanded and gay;

Who now in sundown glow
Of serious colour clad confront me with their show
As though resigned and sad,Trees, who unwhispering stand umber, bronze, gold;
Pavilioning the land for one grown tired and old;

Elm, chestnut, aspen and pine, I am merged in you
Who tell once more in tones of time,
Your foliaged farewell.

- Siegfried Sassoon, October Trees