November,
(Latin: novem ,ninth month) reminds me of a doctor's ante-room. You sit
and wait, sit and wait, apprehensive about what follows. The English
poet Thomas Hood wrote an entire poem about November, titled simply No.
A line from which:
no fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no birds-November!
no noon, no dawn, no dusk, no proper time of day-November!
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The month starts off with All Saints Day, the day
after Halloween and the second day of the month is celebrated in Mexico
as the Day of the Dead. Photosynthesis in plants is shutting down so we
have empty woods. Personally, I like to walk in the woods when they are
bare, no ticks and other insects. I also like to walk the beaches in
November, no crowds! There is much to be said for the sparse and the
frugal, when life is nearing its minimal stage. Energy has retreated
into the zero point field and is brewing another outburst of creation
from the void.
Where have all the
colors gone
Why has the wind turned so cold
What has the sere November trees
Done with October's gold?
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November was the ninth month of the year and retained
its name before January and February were added to the Roman
calendar. Nov. 1 is considered the first day of winter by the
Irish. Nov. 15 (St Martin's feast day in parts of Europe.)
And of course, the fourth Thursday in November is
Thanksgiving! (I don't think it has been settled where it first
occurred, Virginia and Massachusetts both being claimants.)
Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. That
is, until I grew old and ill and the doctor mandated small portions.
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