Eight Becomes Ten
by Howard Osborne

October was an eighth month, based on the Latin prefix, OctO
Calendar years in Roman times began in March, a sort of logiC
Then, it was decided that January should be a year’s new starT
Over the centuries, fewer questioned that moving back by twO
But beginning the year in midwinter, for some, did seem dumB
Each religious and pagan festival also shifting its respective datE
Respectful recognition being the servant, sometimes the masteR