The Silence of Words

April 30th, last day of
Poetry Month, arrives
with showers, grey skies,
and sadness. Fitting I
suppose referring to
the old saying, ‘April showers,
May flowers’, those Springtime
colors designed to bring joy,
happiness, and the feeling of
self-worth, of being whole
and seen, alive in wonder.
Instead, this day has brought
the realization that words
written did not land
with the compassion and
support intended.

It’s a dichotomy, this intended/
received, and like rain,
making everything soggy, wet,
and feeling miserable, as
well as needed for the beauty
and new things to come.

It’s a dichotomy that makes me
realize my words have
meaning, that how they are
perceived is more important
than why they were given.
In our world of great suffering
and pain, to recognize the
importance of community, of
continuity as necessary, it is
also important to understand
what is needed.

So, on this last day of
Poetry Month, standing
outside my home, and
getting soaked by a mind
that doesn’t know how to
use it, I will silence
my words, hoping that
they have not lost a friend.

Aztec Warrior / redzone 4.30.2026