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31 October 2016

INSIGHT INTO NOVEMBER

(www.windsorasheville.com)

It's November ... time to republish my November post 
(with apologies to those who read it before)


November was the month, many years ago, when I was seriously burnt, and had the misfortune to be in hospital when victims of bonfire and firework ‘accidents’ were admitted. I felt obliged to write the following prose and poem, at the same time incorporating other monstrous November scenes.

INSIGHT TO NOVEMBER
The Prose

November is perhaps the most moving month of the year, steeped in tradition and teeming with expectancy.  Why yearn for sunnier climes or a terracotta tan when November's seasonal pulchritude comes free of charge. Broad avenues, awash with colour and piled high with copper jewels: red-gold gems, cascading from majestic trees, making way for fresh creations of embryonic buds.

Natural beauty contrasts sharply with more morbid attractions. Searing bonfires concoct a vivid tableau. Orange flames triumphantly lick the feet of man-made guys, egged on by a jubilant audience gobbling sausages and baked potatoes. Historical, traditional, and macabre, as are the fireworks: pretty explosives noisily winging, gloriously beguiling.

Scarlet poppies adorning our attire signify remembrance for the soldiers who fought for liberation … the war dead, who gave us optimism. Yields of mistletoe and holly and sometimes early snow prompt thoughts of Christmas celebrations, of nativity, and gatherings of families and friends.
   
Thus, November is a month of diverse elements: breathtaking, poignant, and sad. But it is never dull and those who claim that it is should examine its true potential, and wrest a soupçon of comfort from the depths of the sombre monotony that exists solely within their hearts.

This is November.    Enjoy.
  
The Poem
Broad avenues awash with colour,
Red gold gems tumbling to the ground;
Evolution preparing fresh creation,
Embryonic buds already sound.

Beyond the mists stem glowing vistas.
Nature sighs in resignation,
No challenger for graphic scenes
Of morbid fascination.

Poppies, red and unembellished,
Symbols of commemoration
To men in bloody trenches; soldiers
Sacrificing lives to give us liberation.

Carousals of darting, searing fire,
Triumphant flames of orange hue,
Incited by beholders’ hearty cheers
To kiss the feet of guys, and maybe you.

Motley fireworks, spectacular and loud,
Spiralling in the darkening night,
Gripping young ones, riveting them to pain.
Inevitably their shocking plight.

Advance through crumbly autumn leaves
Amidst displays of deciduous attraction,
But heed the groans as flames descend
And human euphoria condones the action.

14 comments:

  1. November is actually my favorite month of the year, It has the best holiday, where the only gifts are of Thanks.

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  2. Valerie, I remember when you posted this previously and yet, reading it again today, it had the same powerful impact it did for me when I read it before. I know what you've been through and can only imagine how that experience has affected you. Fire can be both positive and negative. Both helpful and harmful.

    And I just wanted to say that the November pose you wrote is just beautiful. You have such a gift for using words and painting such clear, sharp visuals. Stunning!

    Have a lovely Monday and week, my friend!

    ((((((( You ))))))))

    X

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  3. Good afternoon, Ron. I am thrilled you took the time to re-read this piece. As you know it is my way of telling the world to be careful of fire. It happened to me when I was 18 but the message is still necessary today, particularly where children are concerned. Thank you so much for leaving your lovely message. Have a brilliant week.

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  4. Kate. I am pleased it is a good month for you,

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  5. Good post, November can be beautiful, or sad, or reflective. I have mixed feelings all through the month.

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  6. Thanks SJ. I think I covered all three sentiments in my own way.

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  7. Love November because of what it means to be a part of a community. Get togethers merely for the sake of being together.

    Here in Southern Cal. there is really not that much of a difference in weather. Some cooling but, often times, the hot winds that we call "the Santa Anas" come and increase not only the temp but also the risk of fire after a long dry summer. Thankfully, the ginkos and liquid ambers provide a peak into the window of areas that have real seasons. Love it!

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  8. Hi Linda. I looked for your blog but didn't find one. Thanks anyway for visiting mine and leaving a comment.

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  9. I love November. To me it is autumn, the leaves you describe so well and the smell in the air. There is a metallic scent which I love.

    It is also my birthday month.

    Greetings from London.

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  10. Beautiful post. I really liked reading it. November is one of my favorite month too. The month we thankful the most for all the good things we got:)
    Lola

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  11. Hello Lola and welcome. Thank you for visiting my blog and I am pleased you enjoyed this post.

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  12. Well said, Valerie! Thanks. It's been a beautiful early November week here in Minnesota...:)

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  13. Even though I'm not terribly fond of November because it's getting colder and darker, I am glad to revisit your November poem. Good stuff, Val. Take care.

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