An Autumn Day Near Belgrave Poem by Francis Duggan

An Autumn day in the wooded hills near Belgrave
Brown leaves are falling in the gentle breeze
The day is overcast and slightly chilly
And a forecast high of 17 degrees.

The currawongs are piping on the tall gums
It has been said that they sing when rain is near
Though I have often heard them sing in Summer
On sunny days when skies were bright and clear.

A sunday afternoon in May just out of Belgrave
The crow is cawing on the cypress tree
The blackbird sitting quietly on a lower branch
No need for him to proclaim territory.

I like the pleasant Autumns of the Dandenong ranges
The weather overall is not too cold
The woods resplendent in their Autumn colours
And deciduous trees unrivalled in their gold.

A sunday afternoon in the high woods near Belgrave
The sun has not shone through the clouds today
And if you asked me what's my favourite month of Autumn
I'd not say March or April I'd say May.