(Aprilis, from the Latin aperire, to open)
it’s tough being the warm-up band going on stage when the audience is cold
tuning up the leaves
adjusting the blossom
getting feedback from the crows
but we have a hell of a drummer the rain (if we aren’t drowned out)
and when those song bird vocals
begin rising from the trees
and the sun starts strutting his stuff
then the crowd goes wildflower
casts off clothing
lets little shoots of flesh peek out
from halter tops and shorts
hands hold love lyrics
hips sway to ballads
and they’re dancing in the rock gardens
someone sings into the handle of a spade
someone plays a fiery guitar riff on a rake
the applause comes in wheelbarrow loads
and if the energy’s right
we can really pump it up
hotter than the headliner
and steal the show
april opens!
Rae Crossman
Published in Descant, Issue 107