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Autumn

Author: Rainer Maria Rilke

This Page Includes: Full Verses of the Poem in Text. A Recording of the Poem (Audio). A Free PDF Download for reading purposes. Free Editable Google Doc Download if you wish to make changes or to personalise the poem. The page also includes what the poem is about, structure of poem and explaining the best parts.

Autumn Poem Verses

The leaves are falling, falling as from far off,
as though far gardens withered in the skies;
they are falling with denying gestures.
And in the nights the heavy earth is falling
from all the stars down into loneliness.
We are all falling. This hand falls.
And look at others; it is in them all.
And yet there is One who holds this falling
endlessly gently in his hands.

Audio Recording

Please note the audio recording may not exactly match the text version as 'Autumn' can be tailored/personalised

Download Poem

Please note the audio recording may not exactly match the text version as 'Autumn' can be tailored/personalised

Donwload As PDF

Personalised Poem

Would you like to customise this poem? You have the option to personalise it by accessing the provided link, which will direct you to Google Docs. From there, you can download the poem ‘Memories’ to your personal Google Docs account or Microsoft Word where you will be able to edit the poem however you want.

Personalised Poem

About the poem

This poem is about the inevitability of change and the transient nature of life. The falling leaves are a metaphor for the passing of time, and the poem suggests that we are all falling along with them towards our inevitable end. However, there is a sense of comfort in the idea that there is someone, perhaps a divine force or a higher power, who is gently holding this falling, making it less frightening and more manageable. The poem reminds us that even in the midst of our own falling, there is someone who is always there to catch us.

The Structure of Poem

The poem has a free verse structure with no rhyme scheme. It consists of three stanzas with varying line lengths. The first stanza describes the falling of the leaves and how it seems like far gardens withered in the skies. The second stanza mentions how the earth falls from all the stars into loneliness at night. The final stanza talks about how we are all falling, but there is someone who holds this falling endlessly and gently in his hands. The poem uses metaphorical language to convey a sense of sadness and loss.

Best Quote from Autumn Poem

This is a quote from the poem Autumn by Rainer Maria Rilke

"And yet there is One who holds this falling endlessly gently in his hands."

This quote from the poem speaks to the theme of mortality and the human experience of falling, both physically and metaphorically. It offers a glimmer of hope and comfort in the idea that there is a higher power gently holding and guiding us through the process. This quote could be used as a reminder to stay grounded and trust in a higher power during difficult times, or as a comforting sentiment to offer to someone who is going through a tough situation.