November Poem by Thomas Hood

The poem actually has several more verses, showing what the month was like in fog-filled London in the early Victorian period when he wrote it. It's most quoted version is as above; probably from a 1980s pop band using it on an album, though I'm not sure of that. As a child I always resented it because I was a November baby and it was always quoted at me on my birthday. I like it better if I see it as a description of a specific time and place in that month rather than an insult to the month (though I do have to admit it is sometimes true of November!) .

No-one who has experienced the English winter can read this poem without a shiver of amusement!

The previous poem is the full version. Looking out of my window first thing this 1st November morning of 2015, brought it to mind. A true celebration of the month ahead...but I do believe the sun is trying to break through! So flee depression!

That's November for you. The blah month.

No Brexit! ! And I'm dead in a ditch

It's not a comment on the weather, but about the smog that blotted out everything in a sulphurous yellow haze that tasted of coal and made you cough. You could hardly see your hand in front of your face and it brought on asthma and fits of coughing, killing dozens of people afflicted with breathing problems... The world was reduced to a twilight haze and people were advised to stay indoors - THAT'S what this poem is about!

What a miserable tw*t

Clearly a time before global warming. This is the November of my childhood, a time of winter fog, ice and snow. I long for the seasons to return. The complete version of the poem is even more evocative of this time of year.

Clearly a time before global warming. This is the November of my childhood, a time of winter fog, ice and snow. I long for the seasons to return. The full version of the poem is even more evocative of this time of year.