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Jerrice J. Baptiste’s 12-month 2025 calendar of jazz poetry winds through the year with her poetic grace while inviting us to wander through music by the likes of Charlie Parker, Hoagy Carmichael, Frank Sinatra, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Sarah Vaughan,  Melody Gardot and Nina Simone. She welcomes November with a sensual, romantic poem that inspires a listening to Andre Previn and Doris Day’s 1962 recording of “My One and Only Love.”

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November, 2025

“November Affair”

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photo via Pixabay

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November Affair

As cold settles in the atmosphere, untie the bow of my silk black robe etched with crimson leaves. Soak my skin in an ivory porcelain tub in the middle of the room. Brush my tangled hair. Let the coarseness shine with almond oil flowing from your fingertips. After the last purple leaves have fallen by my window, lift me out of the geranium scented water like you would your best lover. Cradle my body close to yours before my bones shiver. Wrap my shoulders in a towel. Slide each arm into a new silk white robe with pink island hibiscus. Encircle your hands around my waist, lean my head on your strong shoulder. We will glide on black and white mosaic to the wooden floor in the moonlit room. André Previn will play his piano and Doris Day will sing along, My One and Only Love, from the old record player beside the oak mirror. I will slip into slumber while holding your hands and your lulling lips will vibrate the tune on my forehead.

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Listen to Jerrice J. Baptiste read her poem

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Listen to the 1962 recording of Doris Day singing “My One and Only Love” (with pianist Andre Previn, bassist Red Mitchell and drummer Frank Capp) [Columbia]

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Click to view any of the poems Jerrice wrote for each month.  

Jan/Feb/Mar/Apr/May/Jun/Jul/Aug/Sep/Oct/Nov/Dec/Intro

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Jerrice  J. Baptiste  is a poet and author of nine books, Her most recent poetry book  Coral in The Diaspora  is published by Abode Press (August 2024). She’s been nominated twice for a Pushcart Prize (2024 & 2025), and Best of the Net in 2022.   Jerrice‘s poems and collaborative songwriting are featured on the Grammy nominated album Many Hands Family Music for Haiti.

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Click for:

The Sunday Poem

More poetry on Jerry Jazz Musician

“My Vertical Landscape,” Felicia A. Rivers’ winning story in the 69th Jerry Jazz Musician Short Fiction Contest

More short fiction on Jerry Jazz Musician

Information about how to submit your poetry or short fiction

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