[37] Once April Came, Rajendra Sharma

Once April strode in,
a prodigal, scattering
lilacs, laburnums

purple petunias
to woo
the slumbering Earth,

while the grim winter
packed its grey tent
and slouched off.

This spring
is different
though,

for all
the bloom
is blown away

by winds of woe.
While from
the silent streets

rises the shrill
wail of those
who’re dying

and each house
turns into
a grey tomb.