Elegy in Autumn : In memory of Frank Dempster Sherman

A tender tribute unfolds in lyrical verses that weave together grief, friendship, and the enduring pull of art. The poet’s voice moves from quiet contemplation to vivid recollection, recalling shared moments beneath Cambridge trees and the bright constellations that once guided their youthful wanderings. Each stanza balances melancholy with a celebration of the beloved’s creative spirit, offering a soothing rhythm that feels both personal and universal.

The poem travels through the seasons, tracing the departed’s love of spring’s bloom, the restless call of the sea, and the quiet majesty of autumnal landscapes. Rich, sensory details bring distant coasts, historic plazas, and fragrant gardens to life, inviting listeners to imagine the world the poet and his friend once explored together. In its graceful flow, the elegy becomes a meditative journey, reminding us how memory and beauty can linger long after loss.