Intern Picks: Fall Feature
Our Fall 2025 interns Elias, Tori, Addie, and Ava recently dug through the Schooner archive to find their favorite seasonal pieces. Read their reflections on their fall picks below.
“Confessions of a Former Scarecrow” by José Angel Araguz, Fall 2020 (Elias’s pick)
José Angel Araguz finds a muse in the scarecrow, a figure that has grown somewhat out of fashion in terms of practical usage and has been transformed into something like an autumnal urban legend; families who have never farmed a day in their life put out cute little scarecrow decorations to welcome in the coming brisk wind, while those who must work outside in said wind exhale onto their fingers for warmth. Autumn, to me, is less of its own season and more of a transitional period between the two most extreme seasons; Araguz’s poem tells the story of his transition between various extremes, and the loneliness the transitional period instills. If you’ve been lacking in seasonal-depression-induced-melancholia lately, this poem has it for you.
“Capturing the Scent of Rain” by Karen Paul Holmes, Summer 2017 (Tori’s pick)
Karen Paul Holmes’ poem, “Capturing the Scent of Rain,” embodies the comforting feeling of rain in autumn. With language that brings in all the senses (not just scent), the author creates a lovely illustration of rain and all its wonderful effects. Themes of love and rejuvenation also present a very soothing experience while reading this poem. The imagery is strong enough that you can almost smell the petrichor in the air. This is a perfect poem to read on a rainy day in fall. If you have ever wanted to read an ode to rain, this is the one to read.
“Chiefly in Autumn” by Ralph Friedrich, Fall 1935 (Addie’s pick)
“Chiefly in Autumn” perfectly captures the way the seasons affect our mood and mental health. Truly the pioneer of seasonal depression poetry. I find Friedrich’s descriptions of these feelings insightful and beautiful—I especially love the line about memory being longer than the night. This poem can be read outside of a seasonal context and applied more broadly to anyone who is going through a dark period in their life. “Be mindful yet of the returning light,” as Friedrich says. Seasons pass, and sadness surely will too.
“On a Lovefeast of Yesterdays” by Karen An-hwei Lee, Fall 2020 (Ava’s pick)
The poem “On a Lovefeast of Yesterdays” by Karen An-Hwei Lee is a heartwarming piece that engages all the human senses on a trip down memory lane. As one reads, they are transported to an unknown yet familiar place of coziness and intimacy. The author’s seasonal word choice and attention to detail allows the reader to taste the sweet, sticky treats, smell the fresh, smoky air, and imagine the idyllic, rustic landscape. While this experience is specific to the author’s life, many can relate to the collective autumnal feelings that emerge in the months of falling leaves, spices and bonfires, and times of transition. Lee perfectly captures the nostalgia of the fall season and fully immerses the reader into the moody, peaceful atmosphere. As we move into November, I recommend reading this poem while lazing under a cozy blanket and enjoying a hot cup of tea and a slice of apple pie.