november is crispy brown, speckled gold with pops of starry reds and plump oranges
— a coral reef of leaves that goes from fleshy to crunchy to slippery
between october and december, november offers a feast amid two american festivals
cozy for its cooler temperatures and darker evenings, november offers weightier quilts
if months could be embodied by specific locations, there’s something williamsburg, va about november (others may offer plymouth rock, ma—but I grew up near the chesapeake bay)
curated and regal historical reenactments that commemorate a nostalgia
but recently where the most disturbing reality of that time is being acknowledged
november also contains a portal since my birthday floats on and around thanksgiving day
but whether I entered the world on this date is questionable. So 11/25 is an entry point
to consider the mystery surrounding the people who were present when I arrived,
my original name, and the circumstances that led to this annual remembrance
I claim november for the beauty of transition as chlorophyll recedes revealing hidden colors
the nourishment it offers as family gathers to enjoy a predictable menu of tradition
while I take a moment to consider loss and how best to honor what remains
Inspired by November Poetry Prompt Calendar: 11/1
