To April

“April is the cruelest month”, crushing 

leaves underfoot sprouting 

from wood hyacinths

as armed men with boots on 

trudge terrain

April is an uncertain month

what was crushed uncrumples

what was dashed 

flickers

evil's frosty fingers are warded off 

by summer's warming helping hand

April is a treacherous month

birds and beasts bicker

people posture

apes demand homage

April is an untidy month

plants and trees shrug off old growth

there’s no time to keep picked up

after a squall comes in from the front

April can dismay

but come what may there will be May

April is when beauty emerges

April is when winter dies.

Dick Russell (C) Richard M Russell

                         2024