If I remember word-origins aright,

April comes from a Latin word meaning to open.

And what needs opening in me, in you?

I am opening my poetbrain with nocturnal coffee.

I am opening my heart with an unfrantic loyalty

to church on Sundays, to my large-hearted churchmates.

I am coaxing myself back toward serenity, trying

might and main, through mantric heartbeat-prayers,

to unclench my innermost soul, furious these days

at the innumerable affronts to love. I am opening

to this morning's rain, to its imminent light.

I am opening to you. Let us receive each other

with casual grace, with hospitality.