Poem Analysis - September

An Ode to Autumnal Beauty

Lucy Maud Montgomery's "September" is a concise yet evocative celebration of the early autumn month. The poem paints a picture of September as a rich and fulfilling time, a harvest season of golden days. It carries a tone of appreciation and contentment, acknowledging the passing of summer while embracing the beauty and abundance of the present. While there is a hint of melancholy in the poem, as it references the end of summer, it ultimately leans towards a sense of gratitude for what remains.

The Abundance of Autumn

One of the central themes in "September" is the abundance and richness of the autumnal season. Montgomery uses the metaphor of a "ripe sheaf of many golden days" to represent the month. This image evokes a sense of plenty and fulfillment, suggesting that September is a time of reaping the rewards of the year's efforts. The phrase "autumn's harvest ways" further emphasizes this theme, highlighting the idea that September is a period of gathering and enjoying the fruits of labor. The overall effect is to present September not as a decline, but as a time of prosperity and satisfaction.

The Poignant Beauty of Transition

Another significant theme is the beauty found in transition and the acceptance of change. While the poem acknowledges the "flight of summer blooms and joys," it doesn't dwell on loss. Instead, it focuses on the unique beauty of the present moment. The "crimson poppy of a late delight" symbolizes this acceptance, representing a final burst of color and beauty before the onset of winter. The poppy "atoning in its splendor for the flight of summer" suggests that even as one season fades, another offers its own distinct and valuable contributions.

Symbolism of Color and Light

The poem employs vivid imagery, particularly through the symbolism of color and light. The "golden days" represent the warmth and richness of the season, while the "blood-tinted" poppy introduces a contrasting element of vibrant red. The use of "ember" to describe the poppy's color further reinforces the sense of warmth and lingering light. Gold is often associated with harvest and value, which here it gives to the days of September. This vibrant and varied color palette adds depth and complexity to the poem, highlighting the multifaceted beauty of the season. The use of light in connection with ember and golden, creates an effect of warmth and brilliance.

A Lasting Impression of Gratitude

In conclusion, "September" by Lucy Maud Montgomery is a short but powerful poem that captures the essence of early autumn. Through rich imagery and carefully chosen language, the poem celebrates the abundance of the season and finds beauty in the transitional period between summer and winter. It is a poem that invites readers to appreciate the present moment and find joy in the unique gifts that each season has to offer. The poem’s quiet beauty is rooted in recognizing, in very short compass, that while change is a constant, its impact can still bring great happiness, or at least quiet contentment.