April Flirts With Spring

April first drives up in a new Lamborghini,
Everyone knows it is one of her foolish tricks
She will be driving a beat-up pickup farm truck
In thirty days, when time comes to start the planting.
April, she flounces between winter and summer,
Calling herself spring but she is, frankly, confused.
By the tenth, she is tossing around snow flurries
She grins crazily; our warm coats are put away.
Next day or so her temperatures are soaring,
The snow has melted, and we are donning our shorts.
What the old folks always call "Blackberry Winter"
Strikes with vengeance, temperatures in the thirties,
April says maybe that heavy sweater will do.
She laughs by tax-filing day with strong gusty wind
Though ornamental trees are beginning to bud,
There's talk of late frost, April does not seem to care.
Another few days, and she lets the top down so
Warm breezes are embracing the faint scent of lime.
When April suggests a warm spring is here to stay
A blast of Arctic air nips buds with frosty dew
In a warm day or two, sure enough, April comes
Driving her pickup truck full of mulch and manure,
April plants the sturdy vegetables like kale.
Despite late frost, the tulips will soon burst open
Gentler rains, and April may settle down for good.

SIXTH PLACE WINNER
Written April 11, 2021
for "April Poetry Contest"
sponsored by Regina McIntosh
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Romios Avatar
May 12, 2021 at 4:35 AM
Glad I live on the West Coast, this is superb, Milton congrats on making one of the top 10o I share that honor with you. I pen way differently. We all do.!)) The joy of Poetry. PANGIE XX
Hankins Avatar
May 13, 2021 at 11:52 AM
Yes, we do, but I love all different forms and formats. Thanks so much for your reads and your comments.
Rigoler Avatar
May 11, 2021 at 2:49 PM
Sounds like what we New Englanders experience just about every year! You forgot to include woodchucks, rabbits, and moles who feed on newly sprung seeds – a nuisance, to be sure. Liked your original similes, too. / Maurice
Hankins Avatar
May 13, 2021 at 11:52 AM
Thanks so much, Maurice. Your thoughtful comments always make me want to write better.
Kulkarni Avatar
May 10, 2021 at 10:35 AM
That's April, alright!! You have captured all of her moods so perfectly! I enjoyed reading your poem!!
Hankins Avatar
May 10, 2021 at 12:21 PM
Thank you so much, Smita. I'm so happy you enjoyed it.
Agustin Avatar
April 19, 2021 at 12:40 AM
Wow! Congrats! Thanks for sharing your talent, exemplified once again in this muse of yours, making me behold and experience God-blessed APRIL in this "Springless" country of ours. (I live in the Tropics.) God bless you.
Hankins Avatar
April 19, 2021 at 9:20 AM
Thanks so much, Beata. Your read was much appreciated as are your comments.
Merryman Avatar
April 18, 2021 at 6:57 PM
Love how you portrayed April and her fickle ways! Great write, Milton! congrats on your win! Blessings, Kim M
Hankins Avatar
April 18, 2021 at 7:53 PM
That's how April acts when she comes to northeastern bluegrass country. Thanks for your visit and read and kind comment.
Dietrich Avatar
April 18, 2021 at 9:13 AM
Stunningly original and very cool personification. Gotta fave this one. Congrats on your win too.
Hankins Avatar
April 18, 2021 at 9:35 AM
Andrea, it is always an honor to receive kudos from you. I appreciate so much what you have said about my poem. Thanks a million.
Mcintosh Avatar
April 17, 2021 at 12:19 PM
Love this brilliant writing... a blessing to my heart. God bless you and congrats dear friend. Love, Gina
Hankins Avatar
April 17, 2021 at 1:05 PM
Thank you so much, Gina. Have a terrific weekend!
Ashley Avatar
April 17, 2021 at 10:59 AM
Dear L Milton, I was charmed by your imaginative yet realistic personification of April. A metaphorical gem portraying April's capricious whims and coquettish ways. Splendid! Congratulations for your wonderful win in Gina's contest. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
Hankins Avatar
April 17, 2021 at 11:19 AM
Susan, thanks. I truly appreciated your read and your comment.
Kauffman Avatar
April 17, 2021 at 10:27 AM
Absolutely delightful image of April as a flirting minx with a wink and a smile! So clever. You have definitely captured the whimsy and capricious personality of April. So many wonderful personification images illustrating the work of April - driving, planting! Congratulations! Sending you spring blessings!
Hankins Avatar
April 17, 2021 at 11:19 AM
Thanks a bushel, Sam. Your kind comments were truly appreciated.
Krutsinger Avatar
April 12, 2021 at 6:35 AM
Wonderful personification of April. It is a FAVE for me!
Hankins Avatar
April 12, 2021 at 7:36 AM
Thanks so much. I hope I picked the right one for the contest, since I wrote two with April in mind. I think this is the better one, don't you? This is what I mean by poems with simple words...narrative that tells a story. You do it so beautifully.
Daniel Avatar
April 11, 2021 at 10:04 PM
Nicely described, Milton:)
Hankins Avatar
April 12, 2021 at 7:36 AM
Ah, thanks, Jo.
Gelok Avatar
April 11, 2021 at 7:20 PM
Great fun...and pretty true...hope you win.
Hankins Avatar
April 11, 2021 at 7:46 PM
Thanks, Virginia. I hope you'll enter the contest. Have a wonderful week!
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