november is an old grey coat
with the lining down
cuffs frayed a burst armpit
two pockets with too big mouths
one loose button to close
against rain and wind
a few coins
meant for a fountain one spring
trapped
somewhere in the hem
and among illegible receipts
an undelivered love note
a shabby comforting friend
i’ll not offend with mending
johnpoetflanagan 
Beautiful simile – November as comfortable old coat. Love it.
Alicia,
Happy you liked it.
Thank You very much
best always
john
So sweet! I’ve never fallen in love with a coat before. 🙂
Love the comment, Lola
Thank you
My best to You
john
When Winnie and myself read your poetry we know we are
in the presence of something and someone very special.
This is magnificent in its simplicity and beauty.
We don’t ask how you do it, we’re just grateful that you do.
Kudos!
Harry
Winnie and Harry
Thank you both so much
lots of love
Love, love, love this one, John. Impossible to separate one line as a favorite. Like Harry, I love its simplicity. Such homey, clear images. I think we all envy you that coat.
Thank You, Judy
thank you very much for that fine response.
big hugs
john
I love any comparison of inanimate objects to the living!
Dara
i love your comment
Thank You
best always
john
Nice one. I like it.
Bruce
Thank you
best wishes
john
ps: hope november isn’t too grey up north
Reblogged this on ' Ace Friends News ' and commented:
I was thinking just the same today as l look out into the grey in the good olde UK – not as good as your John 👌
Ian
Thank You very much
My best to You
john
A sensitive metaphor here, John, which is touching yet not overly sentimental. I particularly like your ending:
‘a shabby comforting friend
I’ll not offend with mending’
as it resounds with a sense of contentment.
Thank You
Chris
for an excellent response.
Always
john
I love November. It bares all with no inhibition. It casts its lovely light just so. The crows happily scold from the grey, bony fingertips of the eldest trees. You’re right, it is comforting. And, it has a beauty all its own. Wrap that trusty coat ’round and be grateful.
Splendid comment
Dear Gina
much love
john
” November ….an undelivered love note ” …you are such a brilliant poet John , you have captured the atmospheric emotion of one of my most loved months with your ” old grey coat ” … thankyou my friend , love , megxxx
P.s. – the sun is shining gloriously over michigans land this morning , hoping you see it too !
Yes, Meg
there’s lots of sun here today after weeks of haze
Thank you, Friend
for your fine compliment, you honour me
much love
john
In the belly of western county Sussex, November is as predictable as the next flick of the croupier’s wrist, predictably unpredictable. Oh for the beauty and romantic ambiance of your ‘Spore November John. I am never certain if the morning will greet me like a Koala or a Kodiak. There is much to be said for the stability of sameness and predictability as I age. Thank you for this Monet of description and emotions. Every your friend, Jon Michael
Beautiful response
Jon, My Friend
so fine and well considered
Thank You
Ever your Friend
john
I love the personifcation…this is one of my favorites John. It’s a little sad, but it is November.
Love,
Holly
Holly
Thank you very much
and i’m glad you like it
big hugs
john
Nice writing John. From the first line I wanted to snuggle up in my comfy coat. Great use of metaphor.
Thank You so much
Best Always
john
Perfect.
Mark
Thank You
My best to You
john
Lovely.
Thank you
Dear Myra
big hugs
john
oh John, this is so gorgeous.
Thank you so much
Best Wishes
john
Brother John – Wonderful poem. One of my favorites. I especially like:
a few coins
meant for a fountain one spring
trapped
somewhere in the hem
Vivid portrait of November.
Thank you Brother David
for all your great support.
much love to You and Diane
always
john
will check out the facebook page
Hello! Love the poem. That coat is pretty worn but comfy. I guess in January we’ll get a new coat but we’ll miss the wor-in comfort of our old coat. 😀
Vashti
Thank you for the fine comment, i love it.
Best to You
john
Hi John,
This is beautiful and spoken in words as only you can.
Hugs,
Jackie
Jackie, Friend
Thank You
thank you very much
big hugs
john
What have you done John. I cannot go nagging about November anymore 🙂
Your poem is beautiful, like a quiet foggy day.
Much love
Inese
Inese
Thank You so much..and no more nagging!
big hugs
john
Wonderful metaphor there! 🙂
Eva
Thank You very much
big hugs
john
You’re welcome! 😀
Bravo, John. A tour de force!
So so generous, Noelle.
Thank you
big hugs
john
A unique take on November. That old, familiar, shabby coat we reluctantly pull down from the back of the wardrobe still affords comfort and protection. We are grateful to snuggle back into it and to find hidden, forgotten little treasures. Your poetry is our ‘loose button to close against rain and wind’. Beautiful.
Gorgeous reply, Angela,
you are such support
bless You!
john
Oh the joy you bring my friend! You know what truly amazes me here John? I just re-read this gem, this time in reverse from closing to opening lines and it’s flow and delightful message still retains its clarity…and the desire to read it yet again!
Excellent response, Don,
You are exceptional support and encouragement
Best Always
john