I already knew before the arrival of autumn that the color and fragrance of the garden cannot be trusted.
In this couplet, the poet uses the imagery of a flourishing garden and the certainty of autumn to reflect on the fleeting nature of joy, beauty, and love. Even amidst the intoxicating colors and fragrance of spring, there was never any illusion of permanence—the heart already knew this glory was only visiting. It captures a quiet, melancholic wisdom: the grief of loss doesn't catch you off guard when you have always understood that nothing beautiful stays forever.
Interpretation note: meanings and explanations may be AI-assisted and should not replace a primary text or scholarly edition. See the editorial policy.
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