In a Word ... November

Is there a less celebrated month than November? Every other month has its adoring fans. They will not be outdone in reminding us in poem, song, and story how outstandingly glorious is their month with its special characteristics. But not November.

The general attitude to this month is probably best summed up in the poem November by 19th century Londoner, Thomas Hood: “No sun – no moon!/No morn – no noon –/No dawn – no dusk – no proper time of day.”

He wasn’t finished there:

“No warmth, no cheerfulness, no healthful ease,

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No comfortable feel in any member –

No shade, no shine, no butterflies, no bees,

No fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no birds! –

November!”

Such cruelty! Who wonders then why those born under the zodiac sign of Scorpio (October 23rd to November 21st) are edgy. And happy birthday to all the delicious Scorpio(ns) out there; the others too. (Between ourselves, dear reader, Scorpios can be “complicated, needy and just plain difficult to get along with”. Be careful out there).

[ In a Word... Cat ]

Then there are us; we Saggitarians, born towards the end of this beloved month. “Passionate and charming, clever, outgoing, and charismatic” with “larger-than-life” personalities, Saggitarians, we’re told, “can light up a room instantly and without trying“.

They “take or leave the admiration of others”, are “fiercely independent ... beautiful and eye-catching, ... indifferent to appearance” but “with a style as unique” as their personalities. They “can’t help projecting regality and grace”, are (as anyone looking in my direction will agree) “athletic and active”, and “true” to themselves.

But, enough about me.

You can therefore understand why we Saggitarians feel for November and the generally bad press our precious month gets, even as it gifted us to the world. Yes, there are the Scorpios too but surely we glowing sons and daughters of Jupiter – the largest planet – make up for them?

[ Words are like leaves? On the contrary, Alexander Pope ]

And how lovely is Emily Dickinson’s poem November, with the lines:

“Still is the bustle in the brook,

Sealed are the spicy valves;

Mesmeric fingers softly touch

The eyes of many elves.

Perhaps a squirrel may remain,

My sentiments to share. Grant me, O Lord, a sunny mind,

Thy windy will to bear!”

Then, she too was a Saggitarian. Her birthday was December 10th, 1830.

November, from Latin “novem”, meaning “nine”, for the ninth month of the Roman calendar.

inaword@irishtimes.com