Autumn on Grays Harbor

By Thomas A. Brosman III

September 2005

When the leaves turn red and green

Along the solid streets of Aberdeen

And the rivers trade sweet water

To the ocean, for fish that gleam

Soft winds from the Harbor

Carry the strength of the oceans’ scent

And the tulip fields at Satsop

Are plowed deep, another summer spent.

When the wind rides in from the ocean

And drives sea fog up the Chehalis.

The rain clouds send silver droplets

Month after month til Spring hails us.

Beauty changes to beauty

When Autumn comes to call.

Smokehouses full of salmon

Perfume the breezes for us all.

For it’s fall along the Harbor

With sunlight soft, sublime

And people caring, cheerful

Who welcome rain or shine.

I’d rather feel the honest rain

In Grayland, Hoquiam or Aberdeen,

Than feel the sun on Rodeo Drive

With it’s shiny plastic sheen.

So welcome home Sweet Autumn

Please start the salmon up the rivers.

Bring the colors to our mountains

Though wind and rain bring shivers.

Another harvest and Thanksgiving

Our children are one grade taller

Bathe our Harbor in your sun and rain

As we live and make our living.

You’re welcome here as you bide a wee

With the Harbor and her people.

As your autumn light falls all around us

On our children, rivers and trees.