I think when Pandora opened that fateful box of tricks she was, in fact, releasing the month of April.

Yeah, yeah, I know, you think I’ve lost my mind but give me the opportunity to explain myself and you’ll understand.

Now, I’m not a fan of the month of April. Never have been and for good reason. Even if it does bring showers for May flowers, the fourth month of the calendar year brings a multitude of turmoil unlike any other month. Seriously, what other month brings such varied weather patterns? Rain storms powerful enough to drown any hardy rat; chilling winds that cut a person to the bone; hot temps in the 80’s and 90’s (today it is 87 degrees); grey skies; frosty landscapes; snow storms…get the picture?

And the insects. WTF! Blackflies already??? (Some species of black flies have four to seven generations per year. Black fly adults are active throughout most of the spring , summer and fall and even fly during warm spells in winter. https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/black-flies-and-their-control)

Double WTF!!!

Of course April brings some good things like the singing of American toads on a warm evening.

Peepers.

There are brightly colored tulips and yellow daffodils; vibrant green, swelling leaves; but also slick, slippery, brown mud.

Most historians believe that Pandora opened a jar, not a box. Box, jar, tomato, tow-mah-tow, who knows. Since Pandora is one of mythology does it really matter? As the story goes, when all the nasties left the box or jar or whatever, hope remained behind, clinging to the inside surface of the container.

I guess that’s what April really is–30 days of hope. However, I would have preferred if trust was the remaining item in Pandora’s box of tricks because hope gives the impression of longing while faith is more peaceful.

For example, I have faith that the American goldfinches will molt into their brilliant yellow feathers.

And I have faith the Great Blue herons will return from their winter playground.

As will the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds.

In 1732 poet Alexander Pope wrote An Essay on Man from which the phrase ‘Hope springs eternal’ comes. He was referring to man’s ability to believe that good will overcome adversity, whether that adversity is an infestation of ants in my living room wall or a chocolate Lab puppy who loves to play in the mud.

Ahhh, hope. I guess it does spring eternal in the month of April.

Okay, I’ll be peaceful with the month and let it unfold as Mother Nature intended.

Blessed be :]

Mi manchi, mia amata immortale.