November

[continuing the series on the months inspired by Eifion Wyn’ series in Welsh]

Between the summer lushness
and the sleep of winter’s starkness
the disarray and scruffiness,
the dirtyness and greyness
of November
weighs heavily upon a mood that’s sinking
for the warmth and sunlight’s shrinking,
but low and watery sun breaks
through the muffling mists
or heavy skies that glower,
and russet hedges glow,
and here and there there shines
an out-of-season flower.
Fresh and breezy air invigorates,
and as autumnal colours turn to mud
decaying, making food that will do good
to trees from which they came,
and give some winter warmth and shelter
to insects through the coming cold
we’re glad we can return to cosy homes,
with glow of artificial lights
to brighten up the daylight dull,    
and lengthy nights.