An elastomeric composition incorporating a hydrocarbon polymer modifier including piperylene, cyclic pentadiene and aromatic components, and having a softening point from 80° C. to 160° C., z-average molecular weight greater than 10,000, and at least 1 mole percent aromatic hydrogen, based on the total moles of hydrogen in the modifier. In a method, the elastomeric composition is processed with a cure package into a composition in the desired shape, which is cured to form the article. The modifier may optionally be immiscible with an elastomer in the composition and/or co-cured with the elastomer or filler in the composition. A tire or tire component may include the elastomeric composition.