"The leaves of trees fall gently to the ground; / Where, in its second childhood, Nature lies / Amongst the rocks and stones, as if asleep."
Analysis:
* Visual Imagery: The poet creates a vivid image of autumn leaves falling, suggesting the natural cycle of life and death. We see the leaves, their gentle descent, and the surrounding environment.
* Tactile Imagery: The phrase "gently to the ground" evokes a sense of touch, suggesting a soft, gentle feeling.
* Auditory Imagery: Although not directly stated, the gentle falling of leaves implies a quiet, almost hushed sound.
This image conveys a sense of peace and tranquility, suggesting that death is a natural part of the cycle of nature, like the fall of leaves in autumn. This imagery sets the tone for the poem's exploration of mortality and the acceptance of death.