16 A VAGABOND SONG

There is something in the Autumn that is native to my blood —

Touch of manner, hint of mood;

And my heart is like a rime,

With the yellow and the purple and the crimson keeping time.

The scarlet of the maples can shake me like a cry

Of bugles going by.

And my lonely spirit thrills

To see the frosty asters like smoke upon the hills.

There is something in October sets the gipsy blood astir;

We must rise and follow her,

When from every hill of flame

She calls and calls each vagabond by name.

( Bliss Carman )

Biography

Bliss Carman (1861-1929) was born in Fredericton, New Brunswick. After he was graduated from New Brunswick University, he studied at Harvard and the University of Edinburgh. Like many other poets, he began his career with journalistic work. He was editor of the Independent and later of the Chap-Book.Most of his time has been devoted to poetry, and he has published many books.His first volume wasLow Tide on Grand Pré. Among his later works are Echoesfrom Vagabondia and April Airs.

Word list

crimson : dark red

vagabond : a wandering, homeless person

You Practice

Answer the following questions.

1) What does the poet say his heart keeps time with?

2) Where does he see these colours?

3) How does the colour of maples affect him?

4) What similarity do you see between scarlet and bugles?

5) What colour were the asters that appeared like smoke?

6) Who does the poet say that he must follow?

7) What gives the appearance of flame to the hills