At noon I stood in stillness, amidst a cathedral of browning oaks
-- The Speaker (Lines 1-2)

Importance: The opening lines provide the setting and context as the speaker ventures out one autumn afternoon. The words "stillness" and "cathedral" convey a powerful internal experience taking place. This can be juxtaposed with the image of the browning oaks, which to some might symbolize decay. Instead, they clearly evoke a sense of quiet holiness and contemplation in the speaker.

chin up, mouth agape, watching leaves languish from the trees.
-- The Speaker (Lines 3-4)

Importance: The autumn landscape fills the speaker with wonder. She closely observes the present moment unfolding around her, taking in small details that likely would not be processed in the humdrum of a busy daily life. The ordinary cycle of leaves falling from trees completely enchants the speaker.

It was raining and the tug of autumn was surely here.
-- The Speaker (Lines 5-6)

Importance: The rain indicates that the speaker is someone willing to forego...