Leaving the church
in the dark
after the kids
practiced their carols
the wind whipped
sudden
and cold
sending dry dead leaves
skittering ahead
across the sidewalk
just an hour ago
the air was damp
and warm
after the storm
but now
in its last hours
November
is being yanked
like the open door
by a greater authority
on the other side
December
manifesting itself
majestically
galloping in
on the night wind
laced with
biting chill
underneath
the clear black sky
where bright stars and planets
are still
lit bits and pieces 