As we transition away from the fullness and heat of summer, we gratefully accept and move toward Autumn.  In Chinese medicine the organs associated with this season are the Lungs and Large Intestine.  The element is Metal.  Some of the associations with Metal and these organs are the breath, letting go (as witnessed by the falling leaves), grief, nostalgia, and connection to Spirit. 
   Much of Asian literature and poetry revolves around the spectacular beauty and significance of Autumn.  Perhaps no one else better exemplifies the inspiration, love, and sadness experienced in Fall than the Japanese poet Basho, 1644 to 1694. His birth has become a matter of legend, giving him the birthday of the Autumn Full Moon September 15.  In this year 2010, the Autumn Full Moon is one week later on September 22nd, also the Autumnal Equinox. 
   Following are a few haiku by Basho:

From a treetop
Emptiness dropped down
In a cicada shell



Autumn has come
Visiting my ear on 
A pillow of wind



Along with Autumn                                                     
I would like to go to                                                         
Little Pine River                                                             



Under a crescent moon
The ground is hazy
With buckwheat flowers



On a bare branch
A crow settled down
Autumn evening



Autumn has come               
Loving a wife with stars
On buckskin

Here are a few more Autumnal Poems from The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu:

From Lady Murasaki,
By the wide ocean, roasting salt,
The fisherwoman's heart burns as
She piles up her grief like firewood.



Think of me in the forgotten sadness of Autumn,
Even though your heart be captured by the moon.


Winds of Autumn,
Saddest season of all,
Scattered the remaining leaves from the trees.



Lying awake,
I heard the cry of the little night owl
As chill moonlight poured through
Bare branches in an ancient image of Autumnal sadness.



Nothing awakens old
Memories
Like the Moon.