in the poem, it becomes evident that the author is portraying the beauty of Autumn. The lack of wind and the abundance of leaves are both signs of Autumn's arrival. The bird peacocking in the yard is

"A Day in Autumn" by R.S. Thomas is a beautiful and evocative poem that captures the fleeting nature of a perfect autumn day. The poet invites the reader to appreciate the moment and those memories that warm the heart during the cold, darker months. To critically analyze this poem, let us examine the figures of speech, imagery, and structure used by the poet throughout the piece. 1. Imagery: Thomas uses vivid and picturesque imagery to convey the beauty and uniqueness of the autumn day, allowing the reader to visualize the scene. For instance, he mentions the "air windless" and then paints the picture of the last few leaves decorating the tree shoulders, braiding the branches with gold. The image of a bird preening itself in the lawn's mirror, possibly referring to a calm, reflective puddle, further enhances the sense of a serene and tranquil moment. 2. Simile: The poet employs simile in the line "something to wear against the heart in the long cold." This comparison likens the memory of the beautiful autumn day to a protective garment, providing warmth and comfort during the colder times in life. This use of a simile suggests that positive memories can act as emotional armor, offering solace when life becomes difficult. 3. Personification: Personification is used when referring to the trees' "shoulders" and the "braiding of the cuffs of the boughs with gold." These phrases give the trees human characteristics, which adds to the emotional appeal of the poem. It allows the reader to relate not only to the fleeting nature of the perfect autumn day but also to the trees themselves, accentuating their transient beauty. 4. Structure: The poem is relatively short, consisting of only two stanzas, mirroring the ephemeral nature of the day being described. This structure serves to emphasize the importance of seizing and appreciating beautiful moments before they slip away. 5. Tone: The poem's tone is both wistful and contemplative, highlighting the fleeting beauty of the described autumn day. Thomas suggests that it is crucial to enjoy and capture the precious moments we encounter, using them as sustenance for darker times. In conclusion, R.S. Thomas's "A Day in Autumn" is a poignant and evocative poem that invites readers to appreciate the beauty of life's fleeting moments. The use of vivid imagery, simile, personification, and a compact structure work together to create an emotionally engaging piece that resonates with the reader. Through this poem, Thomas explores the human impulse to hold onto the bright moments of our lives and use them for solace in darker times.