If you would know love,
know April,
When the whole Earth unfolds under
The touch of a loving sun.
Not so hot it burns,
Nor so distant its touch is barely felt;
In April, the sun is a welcome companion.
Coming a bit closer each day,
Its presence felt like a warm hand
Reaching out, gently-
Greeting-
Inviting-
Coaxing a frozen landscape into
Covering itself in a million trillion
Flowers.
In April, the breeze stirs, fragrant and soft,
Over thawing Earth, rich with life and possibilities.
Winter dreams manifest as growing reality,
Seed coats splitting apart, allowing root and shoot
to reach beyond their imagining.
If you would know love, know April.
Words and Photos by Woodland Gnome, 2014
Forest Garden 
Dear woodlandgnome, For a forthcoming book called How Plants Work by Linda Chalker-Scott, we would be very grateful for permission to use your photo of Oregon grape in the snow from 23 Jan. 2014. We would be glad to send you a copy of the book on publication next year, and to provide whatever credit you specify. Your blog is beautiful! Thank you for considering. I am the managing editor at Timber Press in Portland, Oregon, and would be glad to answer any questions you might have.
Dear Eve, Thank you for the kind words. Linda’s book sounds fascinating. Please write to me at woodlandgnome@zoho.com and we can discuss the details. I am familiar with Timber Press and appreciate the wonderful work you do to make gardening accessible to those who want to know more. Best wishes, WG
I loved this! You really captured the feeling that April brings to our hearts.
😉 Thank you, Eliza. April is one of my favorite months, for so many reasons!
This was just beautiful! What a lovely, inspired poem in honor of beautiful April. Blessings, Sarah
Thank you, Sarah. I hope your day has been a beautiful, warm April day. We were in the high 80s here today- instant summer. Best wishes, WG