Winterfylleth: A Jasper-like month of Speckled Masks

An Odd Ode to October

The month of October is along winding road. It is a bit like jasper –spotted and speckled. It is a month of varying colors as it marches towards the oncoming frost. Professionally, it is a time for grand polish where speeches come rapidly and a happy face is pronounced and obvious for all to see.  The hugs at the end of meetings will come on briskly just like the coming winter months. Although, October officially culminates in a day of masks –that being Halloween- the entire month is one where masks are adorned day in and day out as one tries to be everything for all people.

There is no sense of rest for the business-traveler.  Whereas August is the month where most Americans travel for vacation, September and October become heavy business travel months.  As Author William Bliss noted: “There is something in October sets the gypsy blood astir: We must rise and follow her, When from every hill of flame She calls, and calls each vagabond by name.”
As we take to the road and shake countless hands and hug many a shoulder, October becomes a month of trying to appease many in an effort to reach consensus and move agendas forward. October becomes Jasper which in its opaqueness can take on any color.  It would explain why there are so many politicians on the road making promises while holding onto a cute little toddler.

There is a major bright spot to October. It is a time to enjoy food, as that is a great pastime. It is National Pizza and American Cheese month. Admittedly, American cheese is not the greatest tasting of all cheeses, but it is cheese nonetheless and it is a time to take delight in it.

Look ahead to November and chills will come even with the ladled gravy sauce dripping off the plate. Enjoy October for the sun still shines and the masks can hide the fears to come.

“October, baptize me with leaves! Swaddle me in corduroy and nurse me with split pea soup. October, tuck tiny candy bars in my pockets and carve my smile into a thousand pumpkins. O autumn! O teakettle! O grace!”
― Rainbow Rowell, Attachments