Poetry loves discovering things. You're not necessarily knowing where you're going when you start a poem.
-Catherine Graham, award-winning poet and novelist
Nor do I know what my gardens will become when my seeds are planted.
-CVarsalona
April is a bridge
gentle connector
from winter to spring
renewer of life
restorer of earth
as a troubadour
of earth's whisperings,
I speak of spring seeds
a gallery of
poetic writing
with a pen in hand
artists, poets work
words flow like water
nature finds its beat
ensemble rises
©CVarsalona, 2026
While I did not know what my National Poetry Month Project would be, the power of patience and the wonder of nature helped me find my connection. Last year's journey felt like a continuous rollercoaster ride. My emotions still roar with fear and the anxiety of a wild ride. The onset of April and the glory of Easter Sunday blended together, offering me a golden key to a quiet renewal of life and an awakening of my soul and senses. I embrace April as a gentle month of hope, rejuvenation, and a soft reset to life.
april's "soft reset"
cultivates new beginnings
seasonal refresh
©CVarsalona, 2026
I Invite Friends, Poets, Writers, Artists, Photographers, and Students
Join me during National Poetry Month. Offer your creativity to embellish my Spring Seeds Grace April Gallery. Add an original spring poem, nature photo, inspirational quote, or artwork to my new padlet. Click here. For a sample of one of my spring galleries, click here to see my 2016 Spring Seeds Gallery of Artistic Expressions. You may find one of your poems there.
Thank you to our Poetry Friday host, Jone Rush MacCulloch, who shares her new book, "Tilt", midterm videos from her TWU students, and her original poem, "How to Write a Poem". In addition, Jone is hosting a Pop-Up Poetry Salon tomorrow and shares the beginnings of the poetry community's Progressive Poem. Stop by to enjoy her bounty of gifts and read what other Poetry Friday poets are offering.
Let your imagination take you on a journey throughout the 2026 National Poetry Month.
I’d like to riff on your first line “April is a bridge.” It is shaping into a bridge for me, from the stark grief of Lent to the opening of spring and all its glory. You can feel the freshness in the air, breathe a little easier. Thanks for your poem and your commitment to poetry.
ReplyDeleteMargaret, I am honored that you would like to use my April line. Be my guest. Now that April is showcasing the sun, I feel more in tune with life. May your days be filled with peace and nature's fresh air.
DeleteCarol, I feel your soothing words, appreciate the soft reset, and I especially love “poetrylicious!”
ReplyDeleteTracey, I created the word poetrylicious years ago and continue to use it in my practice. For me, poetry brings the sweet essence of life and the joy of living in the moment.
DeleteDiane (newtreemom)
ReplyDeleteGlad the glory of Easter and April have brought you a golden key to renewal and awakening.
Here is a spring-ish poem:
Sparkling clear water
Ordinary Mason jar
Flowers, all colors
Tuck in with wild profusion
Set in sunshine- work of art
It was on my blog 4/3: https://newtreemom.wordpress.com/2026/04/03/npm-2026-3/
Diane, thank you for sharing your spring-ish poem. Are you interested into creating it into an ekphrastic poem with the artwork you shared in your blog 4/3? I would certainly like to join the gallery.
DeleteI love your project and will be adding to your Padlet.
ReplyDeleteJone, I am sorry that I did not have time this morning to continue watching and participating during your Poetry Pop-Up. I did write a draft poem, but it needs a good deal of revision. I would love to hear what other activities you shared. Thank you for your creative workshop.
DeleteThank you for your uplifting poem. This: "April is a bridge" and "as a troubadour / of earth's whisperings" especiallly caught my attention.
ReplyDeleteAlice, thank you for your comments. I am hoping that you are interested in joining my Spring Seeds Grace April Gallery by adding one of your spring poems.
DeleteCarol, your poem speaks of renewal and restoration, and I particularly like your closing words in your post - 'I embrace April as a gentle month of hope, rejuvenation, and a soft reset to life.' Now, that's a goal worth pursuing. May you fulfill your stated aims.
ReplyDeleteAlan, I plan on spending time making my hopes became reality. A soft, gentle reset is bound to help me reduce anxiety.
DeleteLike the idea of a gentle reset (much needed!). Lovely poem to introduce your new spring gallery project. I've added the info to my NPM Roundup. Thanks, Carol!
ReplyDeleteJama, thank you for adding my NPM 26 project to your NPM Roundup for April. I am appreciative that you took the time to provide my invitation and gallery logo that I shared in today's blog post. I am eagerly awaiting my turn at the Progressive Poem that is beautifully evolving.
DeleteCarol, what a nice and peaceful post this is. Here is to April bringing "hope, rejuvenation, and a soft reset to life." I like the description in your poem of April being the bridge or connector between winter and spring. Hope your garden grows beautifully and surprisingly!
ReplyDeleteDenise, thank you for stopping by. Peace and hope are what I need each day. April is my bridge to restore my spirit. Today's sunshine added to my day with the little grandgirls.
DeleteCarol, I love the way your poem begins, "April is a bridge/gentle connector." It fits so well with this Sunday April morning here in CT. I also like the way your poem includes a pen, like Muriel Rukeyser's!
ReplyDeleteGood Morning, Susan. Here in Virginia, April is shining in glory. Spring is springing. Pollen is flowing and life is quiet. My pen, magic mouse, and iPhone are here to lift my words. What awaits, I do not know. See you in the springtime of life.
DeleteI love April as a bridge, a connector, and soft reset, Carol. Perfect.
ReplyDeleteCarol, your verses show a gentle turning for you, and I'm glad to sense it. These words could also become a poem: "The onset of April and the glory of Easter Sunday blended together, offering me a golden key to a quiet renewal..." I love that golden key image, along with your daffodils!
ReplyDelete