APRIL , THE CRUELIST MONTH

From T.S. Eliot : " April is the cruelest month, breeding lilacs out of the dead land, mixing memory and desire, stirring dull roots with spring rain. Winter kept us warm, covering earth in forgetful snow, feeding a little life with dried tubers. "

Yes, T.S., 'tis true. The little darlings roots had stirred and started to bloom, when cruel April killed them with her bitter cold. I could hardly bare to look at my budding Magnolia whose pinkish purple buds were plump with life. Her beautiful blooms will be sorely missed. My sweet Asian pear tree will not give me her juicy fruits this Fall. Forsythia is frozen in her yellow dress and dead before her time. The small tulips had opened their yawning throats but now bow down in defeat, their limbs frozen . Alas, the lilacs will not favor us with their fragrant breath.

Oh, April, you have devastated us here in the City in a Garden and have taught us a bitter lesson. Nothing is safe from your wrath until late May or early June. We were so happy and carefree in sunny March and rushed out to enjoy its warmth, but you stopped us in our tracks.

Although we will not soon forget you, we are not defeated. You shall be conquered by the sunny days of May . Soon you will be nothing but a bad memory. Keep that in mind for next year when you return. Try to be kinder and gentler. We know you can.