November

In November when everything
is laid bare
trees shedding their leaves
become stark and
their sharp branches
etched against a cold blue sky
make a proud picture
of austere beauty
that bows to the
dry, yielding ground
which holds thousands of
leaves that have fallen
from the tree that
stands proudly over them
and waits for the
squirrels to grab
its naked branches
like a wild, moving hug
but then they climb
to the ground and
scatter the leaves
swirling them as
they look for food
and the birds start
to make their flight
to warmer air
while pumpkins still sit
outside waiting for a
new life as a
Thansgiving centerpiece
and the cool wind blows
waiting for the snow
and the silence.