The Witch of November

The wind in the wires made a tattle-tale sound,

as the waves broke over the railing.

And, ev'ry man knew, as the Captain did too,

'Twas the witch of November come stealing.

Gordon Lightfoot

The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald

 Gordon Lightfoot wrote these lyrics to describe the events leading up to the sinking of the iron ore freighter Edmund Fitzgerald in November 1975 on Lake Superior. Lightfoot has always been a favorite of mine because he is such an expressive musician- and particularly because of the way he uses words to create unforgetable images. If you aren't familiar with his work, I hope you will spend some time learning about this legend in folk music. He is considered a national treasure in his beloved homeland, Canada. I hope you will pay great attention to the language he uses in describing feelings and events through his music. 

In this verse, I was very drawn to his apt description of the month of November-as a Witch. This depiction is so very perfect. November is a Witch. November is the season when we first feel the damp, cold of winter swirl around us. Lighter fare gives way to our winter armour of heavy coats, our collars turned up to protect us from lashing winds. November is the time when the colors of autumn turn into gray landscapes, blending with gray skies. The trees become barren, and their branches form the pointed, bony fingers of the Witch herself.  The Witch of November steals our light, little by little, until the daytime is only a brief interruption of long,cold, dark nights. Lightfoot has named this month so well. At this time of year you can almost hear the Witch cackling in the twilight of a November sky at dusk.

If this sounds a bit dark and foreboding, then that is what I intend. This November I am struck with how the darkness of this month is enveloping people I know. Last month I wrote about two people in my life who are facing very difficult medical challenges. (Two Illnesses) It is during this month when they will both deal with the most critical aspects of those conditions. Both they, and their families, will come face-to-face with agonizing and uncertain times. So, during these long cold nights of November, they will face many nights sleepless with worry. They are being visited by the Witch of November. Aside from my own small sense of helplessness,  can only offer my best thoughts and whatever support I can give. 

It is also during this month that I had occasion to give advise to two different families I know concerning child welfare matters. I was approached by these friends because of my professional experience with "the system". The situations were very different. In one instance, the family is dealing with a teenager who is in open, destructive rebellion against her own family. In the other matter  a young single mom is trying to protect her young child from sexual abuse, while the child is with the other parent. They came to me in hopes I could give them a prediction of how our great system of child welfare would help them achieve some justice for themselves and their children. My predictions were a failure. In both situations the system reacted badly and left both families feeling the pain and frustration of injustice. I feel badly for them both, and I'm left doubting my own profession and the institutions I have always believed in. The Witch of November is stealing a bit of our spirit too.

I believe the only way to endure this awful time of losing our light, bracing against the advancing cold of winter, and the gloom that falls over us, is to remember that near the end of next month, the season will begin to change again. Nature always has a way to right herself, and us with her. Winter solstice will come and the days will begin to lengthen. The light begins to return and the Witch of November retreats to wait until next year. From the time before history was written, our ancient ancestors knew  the light would return and that our lives would experience renewal. They counted on it, as I do now. My best hope for those who are feeling pain right now, is to have faith that renewal always comes, just like the changing of the seasons. Even though I'm saddened now by your challenges and pain, I remain grateful to know each of you, and have you be a part of my life. That is my renewal.  Perhaps it would proper to end with another set of more hopeful lyrics-

Rainy day people always seem to know when its time to call

Rainy day people don't talk, they just listen till they've heard it all

Rainy day lovers don't lie when they tell you they've been down like you

Rainy day people don't mind if you you're cryin' a tear or two

If you get lonely all you  really need is that rainy day love

Rainy day people all know there's no sorrow they can't rise above

Gordon Lightfoot

Rainy Day People 

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