A Study in Brown

O, sing your merry-hearted lay

     Of brown October ale!

Or bring its flaws into play

     In bold and stirring tale.

There is a more delightful drink

     That charms my autumn moods;

I feign would quaff a cheering draught

     Of brown November woods!

Nov. 15, ‘10

(‘flaws’ in the third line was changed to ‘pleasures’ when published)