October’s wet rays gave way to cerulean November
making us all the more grateful for the sun
that filters down to our arthritic joints,
almost making a joyful occasion
of gathering the crisp leaves
imprisoned on both sides of our back porch.
We are unwilling to wait for spring
to set them free in the deeper woods.
Because it’s November.
These are the days that give us hope and make us
ignore unemployment rates and national debates.
We can fume in frustration, scream at the television.
or we can grab a rake or the Windex and make
this corner a little cleaner, neater, brighter.
We are relieved to forget about gardening and mowing pastures.
Because it’s November.
Time today for optimism and smiles all around
Because we’re not yet shivering in our boots.
We know that with days like this,
spring is a distinct possibility.
Time now to grab the calendar and sigh with satisfaction,
as we mark not the days until Christmas,
but the days until we can dig in the dirt
and once again feel the sun’s warmth in our joints.
Because it’s November and we remember April.