Opening

April had not always been open for change as her name would suggest on the surface too dark were her youth and gloomy mind shaped by seasons of torment and abuse as she festered under cover of loneliness Only her un-stable moods suited saltation from reckless mania to agonizing arrest when springs in her step led downwards relentlessly squashing any attempt of joy she longed for winter to cover her remains It was not for lack of trying to blossom but any buds of happiness wilted before sap would flow freely and left her with thorns scars lacerations purulent wounds that oozed defeat misery and abandon Winter scape granted no pretty snowflakes only icicles like daggers and permanent frost an avalanche covering a veil of false composure would not thaw long enough to melt her grip clawed at resolve sent a pick axe into her brain ‘Pull yourself together’ but the strings were twisted ‘grimace happy smiles but don’t look in the mirror’ yet for once she disobeyed and glimpsed reflection where August held her with love and honest regard he who himself had suffered for only being himself Hailstorms continued to grant tempest and thunder but a lightning bolt changed the aperture of doom opened up unimaginable courage and togetherness at last they found love meaning and understanding tied hands and hearts together to seal their wedlock 11th April 2021 April Poetry Contest Sponsor Regina McIntosh The name April refers to opening up The name August means to hold in high regard