I often say that autumn is my favorite time of year in the Northwest, but every time April rolls around, I’m reminded of how fresh and lovely the start of spring is. The sight of daffodils randomly springing up along the side of a road or in the middle of a field always brings a smile to my face. I feel like April is a time of new beginnings; and my thought is if a daffodil can thrive outside of a perfectly tended garden, maybe I can be a daffodil and roam outside of my comfort zone. I’m not sure what this “roaming” will entail — could be literal or figurative — but April is the time to try something new.
Speaking of trying something new, are you one of those reluctant readers of poetry? It’s OK if you are — this is a judgment-free zone. But April is National Poetry Month, so if you want to give it a go poetry-wise, this is the perfect month to do it. Emily Dickinson? William Wordsworth? We’ve got ’em, and maybe their poems will be more meaningful now than when you were forced to read them in high school. Morgan Parker? Bob Hicok? Yep, the library has these poets as well; and if you’ve never heard of Parker or Hicok, well, there’s no better time to be a daffodil and read something outside of your comfort zone. The great thing is that the library has a variety of poetical works for readers of all ages, so there really should be something for everyone.
April is also National Fresh Celery Month — bet that comes as a surprise for most of us. In case poetry really, truly isn’t your thing, maybe checking out a cookbook that includes recipes using celery leaves or celeriac will be a good alternative to iambic pentameter and double dactyls. “Dandelion and Quince: Exploring the Wide World of Unusual Vegetables, Fruits, and Herbs” by Michelle McKenzie instructs as well as delights with its combination of helpful information and delicious recipes. The aforementioned celery stars in several of Michelle McKenzie’s dishes as well as fig leaves, kumquats, rose petals, sunchokes and much, much more. The section entitled “Edible Ornamentals” has a poetic ring to it, so here’s your chance to celebrate National Poetry Month without actually having to read a poem. You’re welcome.
• “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: The Poetry of Mister Rogers,” by Fred Rogers (J811.6 ROGERS).
