my birth month




November

 

"I was born at the birth of blossoms,

born when all the gardens grew,

on so very soft a morning,

on a morning April-blue.

So I'm Rosa—"

 

—Rosalia de Castro

 

 

~

 

 

The Christening

 

There are no children named November.

None, at least, that I know.

Are sunny days so pallid, chill and few

That not a one can bear the name?

Does the notion of impending winter

Preclude the christening of a namesake?

Does the word itself spell something cold

About the heart, frost about the soul?

I know one whose name was bestowed

Too lightly, too generously, with hope

Ill-suited to his nature. I renounce 

My name, and wish to be more true

To what is true. Like Ishmael I choose 

A name to suit myself. Call me November. 

 

 

 





Poetry by jim The PoetBay support member heart!
Read 908 times
Written on 2017-11-13 at 14:02

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Lawrence Beck The PoetBay support member heart!
An interesting thought, and a good poem.
2017-11-15


Jamsbo Rockda The PoetBay support member heart!
This is really good Jim. Of course November has a different meaning in this part of the world but I still get it. How many people in this world are stuck with names that do not reflect their person? There is also a sadness here that the reader relates to. Oh and happy birthday (in advance or belated).
2017-11-14



This is brilliant! Why indeed has no one picked the name of November for a name? The strength with which you write this makes everyone wish they could be called, "November." It has gravitas. Happy Birthday, November!
Ashe
2017-11-13


ken d williams The PoetBay support member heart!
Bravo - Jim.
Ken
2017-11-13



I agree with November despondency. And, as per, your ability to share a scatteing of that emotion so freely and delicately through your poem is a rare talent....a craftsman at the lathe.

...aside..

(Between friends)

Its proper good stuff J.

Cheers Lucy
2017-11-13


Bibek The PoetBay support member heart!
An interesting idea. You changing your name to November. The end is wonderful. November is an interesting month, especially in Kathmandu. The weather is cool and the sky is clear. Even though I don't know the exact date, happy birthday, Jim. May you have a great year ahead. Be blessed with the gift of words. Like always.
2017-11-13


shells
'''Tis my birth month too, it brings a burst of happiness with my family, a celebration of me! So I'll celebrate for you also. Here in the uk we are so weather orientated, November may not be the best, but there is still plenty of beauty.
2017-11-13


josephus The PoetBay support member heart!
A unique perspective,Jim. And a good choice! I love November with its winds, snow cold and expectancy of year end and Yuletide.
2017-11-13