November 5th

I picked my eyes up,
it's November 5th
and that
signals something for me,
a tradition,
a new life, no?
An interesting tale,
this day
in my numerology
I
helped create my son
on this day.
I received raves eight years ago
from the Plain Dealer,
ego now,
but still
it's mine.
In 2005 I opened the Brass Tap.
and thought about the irony.
On November 5th
Angelo Quagliata called me
the best chef in Cleveland
and I thanked him,
meekly
in the amber glow of the Grovewood
on a night
when far too many people crowded into the place
thanks to Debbie Snook.
Oh, November
it is supposed to snow tonight
first snowfall of the season
on November 5th.
And it will fall on me
a man
with a full head of hair.
I was given November 5th,
and the 108 other days of significance.
God is good.
God is good,
and the gifts he gives:
the breath,
my wife, companionship,
my children,
home,
loyal and disloyal friends.
I am thankful for them all.
For personality,
I am blessed,
for forgiveness and mercy,
I am blessed.
For my once again rebuilt
broken heart
he blesses me.
He gave me November 5th,
I deserved February,
cold, frost, snow.
But neine,
I have colors, maple,
I have burnt sugar bubbling into caramel,
mmm, lavender and honey and
Century Village.
I have rolling hills,
auburn,
shakey Amish buggys.
I have
shhhhhhhhhhhh!
That belongs to me,
and you!
I have turkey,
and starch,
potatoes and bread
as it were,
served two different ways.
I have
rejuvenation.
I have sweetness
for now,
for November.