November

by Cheryl Merrick

A few tenacious leaves remain,
     Brown and withered,
      In a monotone world.

While the mountains quietly rust,
     and the evenings envelope the day,
     the holiday bustle begins.


Outside steps crunch in fallen leaves,
     As we are enticed inside
     By the aroma of 
      turkey, pumpkin, and spices.

The solemnity of November warming
     as families gather,
     once again,
     to give thanks.