~ TRISTE NOVEMBRE~

I hate to admit it and it's really too bad

But this month has a habit of making me sad.

I intensely dislike this month of November.

Most  years are the same ; I can always remember.

But for this year it is totally different;

Even the weather has been rather inclement.

In fact this year is much worse ; this year is a curse.

I could not believe a November could be worse.

For certain this year has outdone the rest.

This horrible pandemic put me through the test.

I've tried hard to be upbeat but cannot compete

With the ever changing rules ; I'm run off my feet.

Grandpa tells me sad stories about his pappy.

These stories even make my grandpa unhappy.

At our school assembly some classes recite poems

That they have practiced for hours and hours in their homes.

I try hard to be cheerful and dwell on nice thoughts.

I go out with my friends and I play lots of sports.

I select happy movies and sing joyful songs.

No matter how hard I try, things often go wrong.

Again I have gorged on too much candy at night.

My stomach's been aching; I just haven't felt right.

I went out trick-or-treating till way after eight.

I can tell by my belt I've already gained weight.

In the mornings, I don't want to climb out of bed

And that's when Mom always calls, "Come on sleepy head."

I dream about summer that seemed so long ago

And I do dread getting dressed and shoveling snow.

Mom insists the exercise will do me some good.

She offered my help to friends (?) in the neighborhood.

Imagine that; can you believe she'd have the gall?

Really! I am barely, just barely, five feet tall.

It grows dark so early and the trees look so bare

Most kids don't play outside and their parents don't care.

I cannot even interest Grizz in a run;

I'm convinced he also misses seeing the sun.

Tonight we must remember to change the clocks back,

It is a job in itself since clocks we don't lack.

I do like the idea of an extra hour's sleep,

The benefit of which I will certainly reap.

It's the time of year when we have lots of exams

And it is also the time when everyone crams.

I dislike the fact that Dad is busy at work.

He can't help me with homework; that sends me berserk.

With Christmas coming Mom has more shifts at the store.

Every day after school I'm assigned a big chore.

Today I must clean out all the gutters and eaves

Because Dad says the down pipes are plugged up with leaves.

I was hoping that I might invite my friend, Huck

But Dad blew his stack so I guess I'm out of luck.

Last year, at this time, the roof was so much wetter.

With less snow this time, things should be a lot better.

I think Dad was worried that Huck just might fall down.

To tell you the truth: he is a bit of a clown.

Mr. Finn would be the first to take Dad to court.

I heard Dad whisper to Mom that he's just the sort.

Mom succeeds in finding jobs to keep me hopping

Whenever she and her friends go Christmas shopping.

Last Sunday I was stuck doing all the raking.

'Twas her day off; she started our Christmas baking.

If I could have my way, I would skip November

And zip right on into the month of December

But I guess Santa wants this month to prepare;

Poor, hard-working, old man never has time to spare.

I intensely  detest November!

Pssst . . . shush . . . shush . . . PLEASE, DON'T TELL SANTA.

                                                 Revised November 7, 2018

                                                 Revised and amended November 10, 2019

                                                 Revised and updated / amended November 4,  2020

                                                  Revised November 5, 2021

                                                  Revisited November  2, 2023

                                                  Revisited November  16, 2024

A/N I wish to dedicate this poem to all those people living In the northern hemisphere who are not fans of the month of November. with a special dedication to my wonderful German in-laws,

the Hallermanns and the Muellers. For them, this particular November will be etched in their memories as a result of the overwhelming success of Donald Trump as president of the U.S.A.

in the recent general election.                         ~ Gail   16 /11/24