“November Rain”

I long for the November rains

To end these summer fires

And clear the air to finally breathe

To wash over our Country

And cleanse the anger

That burns in our veins

To quiet this disease

That lives deep in my soul

And prepares for winter’s

Peaceful rest

RIVER GURTIN moved to the Monterey Peninsula in 1970 from Jersey City, New Jersey. He helped co-found the local Bagel Bakery in 1976. In 2003, he sold his share of the bakery and has since volunteered with the American Red Cross. He’s been writing poetry since the start of the pandemic.