How to smile while under the canopy of endless despair called November




Surviving November in the North

 

Legendary
the November depression
the lightless grey smear lasting
only smithereens of time, then the dark
the cheerless slush on roads
the wet shoes, the soaked socks
wet eyes, runny noses

congested and coughing chests
endless tissuepapers floating

white sheets dancing outside and in

 

yes, yes, yes
bring them all on
dive into those doldrums
paint the whole world grey
steel yourself against every
touch of mirth and gaiety
wallow in it

 

You see, really
It so rare in the scheme of things

Only one eleventh

of the whole year

why should the one
be allowed to terrorize the twelve
why should the few
dismay the many 

 

Take a rest
make November
the seedbed for all the others
hibernate
go slow, do what the earth does
do what you must, no more
be, savour the silence
one day at a time is enough
there are, after all,
only a few left 
even at the first 
crack of November 

 





Poetry by Teddy Donobauer
Read 477 times
Written on 2010-11-11 at 08:55

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F.i.in.e Moods The PoetBay support member heart!
I feel an exasperated sigh in my heart each year when November rolls around for sure as I am very far from being a winter enthusiast. The hibernation advice is so in line with my feelings of how I would like to live it were it only up to me :) I enjoyed the uplifting message in this and the reminder that it is not quite endless as it is felt - thanks.
2010-11-12


shells
Just loved the sentiments of this, so grey here today, I feel I am suffering from S.A.D.! Your gracious final stanza helped me to realise......it's passing.
2010-11-11


countryfog
You've captured it perfectly. November is the transition, the tipping point . . . cold nights, first frosts, bare trees, perpetually dreary skies, the last geese leaving. Everything seems to impart a sense of less and loss. One finds solace where one can . . . the smell of pinecones for kindling and warmth of windfall oak in the fireplace, long nights with a cup of hot tea and a good book, gathering enough acorns to feed the squirrels all winter, dining room windows steamed with the abundance of Thanksgiving turkey and trimmings, children's faces at Christmas. And too, as you said, time to simply "savor the silence".
2010-11-11


NicholasG
November should be designated as northern poetry month!
2010-11-11