Poetry and humor give me strength to survive April

April is National Poetry Month, but did you know it is National Humor Month, too?

When I think of poetry and humor, it summons an image of the brilliant Shel Silverstein. His silly verse appealed to both mother and child when my son was a youngster. And now his hilarious rhymes enchant my grandsons.

Does poetry have to be serious? Or can humor make it more accessible? If you’ve read anything by Poet Laureate, Billy Collins, you know the answers to these questions are ‘no’ and ‘yes.’

If you find poetry intimidating or incomprehensible, think of it as a playground for words. You don’t have to understand the physics behind a merry-go-round or a swing to enjoy them. Likewise, if you venture into the world of poetry, allow yourself to revel in the twirling and whirling of words –  words that surprise and delight you.

Battered by a Maine winter, the convergence of National Poetry and Humor Months joined forces to save me from despair. They found me huddled under a down comforter, ready to admit defeat. When April blew a fifty-degree day out to sea with an Arctic blast, thoughts of couplets and giggles spawned a mutiny. I shoveled off the sandbox, shook my fist at the sky, and uttered this:

April Battle Cry

April is famous for showers
Which is a stroke of luck,
Because clinging to every surface
Is a layer of winter’s muck.

Rain drills into snow drifts
Creating muddy soup,
Unveiling clumps of sod
And piles of doggie poop.

After days and days of deluge,
The sun peeks through the gloom,
Illuminating dust clouds
Bestirred by busy brooms.

Can winter finally be over?
Is it time to light the grill?
Hamburger forms into patties
And beers begin to chill.

What happened to the sun?
The prediction was much better.
The barbeque must go on,
So grab an extra sweater.

What wafted down from heaven
While juices flowed from steak?
Could this be an illusion?
Or was that a fat snowflake?

Dashed hopes give way to sorrow;
Snow steals the party’s cheer.
But boldness wins the battle,
And cracks open another beer.

Neighbors peer from windows,
And agree this isn’t right.
A scream cuts through the icy wind,
“At least no bugs can bite!”

Who is your favorite poet? Who or what comes to mind when you think about poetry and humor? Are you ready to join hands and and play ‘Ring Around the Rosies?’ Rhyming comments not required.

For more of my humor go HERE.