Oh Ghost of Autumn,
 Crowned with wisdom,

Teach me your creed

Through the barren branch.

Oh Ghost of Autumn,
 Crowned with wisdom,

Do you die?

Do you bleed?

Or do you slumber, ever peaceful,
 Within Winter’s ivory-laden casket?

Oh Ghost of Autumn,
 Whisper your wisdom
 Through the freezing wind.

Tell me how the leaves let go.

Tell me how the branches stand bare.

Tell me how you greet the coming snow
 Without surrendering to despair.

Oh Ghost of Autumn,

At the first breath of Spring,

Do you lie down in death

To become the seed?

— Katrina Bergman