November struggles to help itself up
but ignored by the cataract sky
with its rotting damask
drowns slowly like a rat
downtrodden
sodden
while the days cry out for sleep
cast their leaden verdict
bedding down on pillows
of hedge bank ruts
ifs and buts.
I think of November like an interlude from the cinemas of
my youth - near silence & lights dim until the main feature
(read: "winter" in this case) was due to arrive.
A seagull eating a dead rat reminds me of the report
here in central London of a pelican swallowing a live pigeon
in St James' Park. Nature isn't all David Attenborough and
comforting "Save the (fill in your choice)" charities!
Cheers Colin - I love the way you mention that and "pleasure boat" in the same sentence!! Ray
<Deleted User> (13762)
Sun 29th Nov 2015 18:10
I once watched a seagull swallow a whole drowned sodden rat whilst I sat eating my breakfast in a pleasure boat moored opposite a rowing club jetty in Norwich. It was a ghastly sight - a bit like this November. Let's hope December brings us crisp sunny days to clear the mind.
A well written and thought out poem Ray.
So nice to get your comment David. The ignoring feels like part of the month! I think some poets including yourself have done November already, but this is like a kick in the arse as it leaves the universe.
Yes, to be born is a serious thing anytime but this month.....
We're fine thanks. Share a drink old mate with my thoughts. Ray
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raypool
Tue 1st Dec 2015 10:31
Thanks Mark. Any diversion is a relief from the dullness.
I don't think pelicans are viewed with much fondness at the best of times (huge at the front) and waddling about in despair.
Blimey, David. I think the unshaven version is worth investigating any month. Seasons and reasons -another poem perhaps! RAy