All winter I longed for signs of spring

now the April of dreams is passing with haste,

leaving this world like my sister who’s late.

it would be easy to dread this month of loss

instead I’ll make memories with those I love.

I’ll eat birthday cake in a garden of sunshine

laugh, eat chocolate, drink fizz with friends.

and lie in the bluebells watching the heavens

through a canopy of oak in an iron age fort.

I’ll breathe the fragrance of blossom,

then I’ll honour and give thanks

for each flower that’s spent.