Exploring the Themes and References in Lee Hutt's Poem 'Autumn Comes'

The poem 'Autumn Comes' by Lee Hutt delves into themes of mortality, immortality, and transformation. Through references to Bao Jao and the concept of spiteful blood turning into green jade after a thousand years, the poet explores the idea of lasting legacy and the hope for recognition beyond one's lifetime. Hutt, influenced by a cult obsessed with time and immortality, may have contemplated his own mortality and the transformative power of his work in the distant future, similar to the miraculous transformation of blood into jade. The imagery of an autumn grave and a ghost chanting Bao Jao's poem signifies a profound awareness of mortality and the spiritual realm, suggesting a deeper reflection on life, death, and the enduring nature of artistic legacy.