When residing in Newfoundland in the 1970s, I particularly enjoyed the Fall and Winter elements. Presently, I live in rural Manitoba, and find myself embracing Fall and Winter once more. A couple of years ago an elderly gentleman wrote his views on the oncoming months of November and December, with his favourite word being “gloomy.” I decided to reply by writing a “December Monologue” to cheer him up. I hope your readers enjoy reading my take on the months of November and December.

A corpse you say…nay, nay I say,
I have arrived with my naked trees
After their strip tease, just for me.
They stand all in a row, waiting, waiting
For their nightgowns of snow.
Jack Frost will pop by
To drop silver threads here and there.
As ‘tis a time to sleep in style
With a silence deep and white.
Cold dark nights beckon, don’t you know,
Glistening carpets of white
Stars shining over snow
Trees garbed in silver laced gowns,
Such jewels, none can compare.
As you can see, my falling snowflakes are everywhere
Welcoming one and all into December.
Ah…a time to dream in this magical white wonderland
As my pine trees and fir are garbed with ermine
Even the lowly twig on a tree is ridged deep in pearl.
I dream of snow princesses enveloped in white luxurious furs
Like czarinas sitting in a cutter pulled by one magnificent horse.
Yes, at times, I must huff and puff
And leave a susurrus of strange sounds.
Feel the presence of life in spite of this deep sleep.
There is music in the air and none can compare.
As the snow begins to fall, its music we fail to hear,
It whispers its song to the listening night
Giving a private recital with the stars above creating a magical scale.
Bask in my music…
As my North wind presses against you.
Moving in rhythmic waves,
Pushing, shifting, caressing your body
Almost sensual…
Leaving one with prurient urgings.
As I kiss your lips vibrant red.
I give snowdrops…tiny flowers that never cease to bloom
Even in the coldest of my month.
There are crystalline hexagons everywhere.
I blow huge white feathers
Dancing in the wind…
Leaving snow blinks
Wherever they fall.
Little children’s faces gazing through the frosty panes
Waiting, waiting for their outdoor games.
Christmas explosion of kaleidoscope colours
Twinkling in the star filled night.
But let us not forget that glorious scene
Long centuries ago
As on a stable the stars shone down
On one born in a manger.
Last but not least, I have the Winter solstice,
The time of the year when the sun is at its greatest distance
From the celestial equator,
Either North or South, and seems to pause
Before returning on its course.
And in that pause, a simple, wistful whim
May be heard and granted…by the gods that be.
As everyone can surely see,
My month is special right to the end.
But I thank you, November
For your gloomy days
As my ladies prepare
For their grand striptease
Waiting, waiting just for me.

Diane R. Unger
Cooks Creek, MB