and setting of the poem, it can be seen that the author is referencing the beauty of Autumn and how it will eventually change.

"A Day in Autumn" by R.S. Thomas is a deeply introspective and contemplative poem that captures the calm, serene essence of a fleeting autumn day. It invites readers to pause and appreciate the transient nature of beauty and life, while also acknowledging the inevitability of change and the essence of memory. The poem begins by emphasizing that the idyllic scene unfolding will not always remain, as the air's windlessness and the last few decorative leaves on the trees are temporary. The use of this opening line serves to catch the reader's attention and suggest that the moment captured in the poem is an exceptional one. The imagery of leaves braiding the cuffs of the boughs with gold conveys a sense of adornment and intimacy with nature while also invoking the sensation of time slipping away like leaves falling from trees. The second half of the poem shifts its focus from the external environment to the internal landscape of the mind. It urges the reader to take a mental snapshot of the bright scene to preserve it against the harsh reality of life's long cold periods. Rather than dwelling on the inexorable conclusion of the autumn season, it encourages the reader to acknowledge and value the beauty present. Implicitly, the poem also emphasizes the impermanence of life and the significance of cherishing these brief moments of splendor. The tone of this poem is reflective and melancholic, as it revolves around an awareness of change and the fleeting nature of happiness. The vividness of the imagery employed by the author helps the reader to deeply experience and appreciate the scene described while highlighting the temporality of such moments. In conclusion, "A Day in Autumn" by R.S. Thomas is a profound, introspective poem that invites the reader to critically analyze the passing of time and the fleeting nature of beauty. Through rich imagery and a reflective tone, the poem gently reminds us that life's precious moments may be temporary but can be preserved through memory as a source of solace during darker times.