November's Creep

November creeps along its arctic edge Wild roses tense their petals in rebuke They were warned when budding in October Their loving sun would soon abandon them Yet still they stand their faces turned full pink As slowly buzzing bees sweet nectars seek Last call amid the leafless prickly branches The tenacity of life, lessons to teach Soft petals dance with oak and maple Swept up in the aura of the chill Intertwine to form a compost blanket November frost will quickly tuck them in For roses are but nature’s thorny kiss Placed on coming Winter’s stinging cheek