I love April. I don’t know if it’s because it’s my birthday month. Or if it’s the wild swoops of changeable weather that make us feel charged with energy, laughter, and hope.
April showers bring May flowers
Funny how many times over the years I’ve whispered that to myself – and not just about the weather ;-)
It reminds me of another favoured set of words: the belief in an invincible summer
Many moons ago now I found myself in a place that felt like the depths of winter. Working far too hard at something I was good at, but didn’t enjoy and didn’t fully believe in. Tired, over-worked, and burning out, without knowing what that meant, or how to spot the warning signs.
I just knew that things weren’t right… and some day would change. (Some day I’d make them change.)
I kept a postcard by my desk that I’d found in a local library.
It was called the Poet’s Prescription. It’s only 5 lines long, but it helped to keep me sane.
It still does: the card remains by my desk, and I read it every day.
Rub sunshine into sore limbs.
Use Mozart ear-drops regularly.
Taste a poem a day.
Always keep a breath of Spring handy.
Wash eyes in wonder
Poet: Diana Hendry
It might not always be sunny here. Sometimes the sunshine I rub into sore limbs is more virtual, imagined, remembered than real.
But even as we move through the last blast of a cold wind or a downpour of sleety rain… there’s nothing to stop us from washing our eyes in wonder.
~~~
This piece is a contribution to our conversation about what the month of April means to us. It’s also a reminder, and celebration of the fact that April is National Poetry Month.
If you’d like to join in with your own associations of April, or even to share a favourite poem that’s in your mind, or heart, at this time of year, please do let us know.
Or chip in with your thoughts and reflections in the comment box… on this post, or another that resonates with you here over the next couple of weeks.
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Joanna Young
Post Author Joanna Young, author of Confident Writing, is a writing coach who helps people to realise the power of their own words. This month her theme is breathing space.
You’ll find her most days on Twitter @joannayoung where you’ll find her sharing weather reports and photos from the west coast of Scotland, quotes links and ideas on writing, and confidence, and a whole lot of other nonsense besides.
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Hi Joanna – “washing our eyes with wonder.” This was my take away this morning. I’m not overly poetic, but I think if we go out into the world with a sense of wonder, we are capable of poetry…however we might define it.
You aren’t going to believe this…(yeah you will). I did not notice the title of your post, or rather I didn’t look closely at it until now…just after writing the above paragraph. True story!
LOVE the Poet’s prescription.
And, that quote at the beginning? Reminds me of my Mother’s favorite joke when I was little.
Q: If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring?
A: Pilgrims!
(Of course, this might make more sense to people on this side of the Atlantic.)
Hi Joanna, What a lovely poem. This is the certainly the month to remember we are new creations. We can see everything with new eyes if we choose to.
@dave, I both believe it, and refuse to accept you’re not poetic :-) Poetry comes in many shapes and forms… I really thing it’s a way of looking at the world and being able to seize the essence, the feeling, the beauty or sorrow of the moment
@Deb – I love that addition! Now when I say that to myself I’ll also think of all my wonderful friends the other side of the water :-)
@Brad, absolutely. I’m glad you liked the simple poem.
Joanna,
“Use Mozart ear-drops regularly” – how much is expressed with this single sentence! I love it!
Ulla, sometimes less is more isn’t it? I’m glad you liked that line :-)
April, for me, is always a most special month, because it was when my second daughter was born. I have three siblings whose birthdays are in April, as well. Since I love to read and write poetry, there is one more reason to celebrate April. : )
I love the thought of washing our eyes in wonder!
Karen, as April is my birthday month, and my son’s, I’m always noticing a glut of April birthdays too :-) Thanks for joining in this poetic celebration :-)
And someday you did make the change, and shone a light for the rest of us to follow out of the darkness. Thanks Joanna!
I love the Poets Prescription – and can see why it helps to keep you sane, and why you’re so often like a ray of sunshine to us all. Kx
Karen, thank you so much… your words are just what I needed this morning. How do you so often know how to do that? Ah, the wonders of online friendship, and that spirit of aloha :-)