April is the Cruelest Month {still + life}
"April is the cruelest month, breeding lilacs out of the dead land, mixing memory and desire, stirring dull roots with spring rain." ~ T.S. Eliot
Siege on Waco, TX: 1993
Oklahoma City Bombings: 1995
Columbine School Massacre: 1999
Virginia Tech Massacre: 2007
Mid-April Tornado Outbreak (largest in history): 2011
Boston: 2013
Explosion in West, TX: 2013
I'm not going to lie. It's been a helluva a week in this country. We're all on edge. Yesterday was improbably chaotic with reports of poisioned letters being sent to our political leaders (And I use the term "leaders" lightly, Senate. But that's a story for another day.), suspicious packages investigated EVERYwhere, and bomb threats. News outlets, in their rush to be first with the story played fast and loose with the facts (What are we coming to?), only adding to the confusion and chaos. And then last night, this horrific explosion in Texas. I just can't imagine. I am reminded of the terrifying days just after 9/11 when each new day brought more concerns and chaos. I told someone then that I felt that the whole world was holding its breath. I feel that way now.
It's seeping into my family. We're overworked and tired and everyone is cranky. I just couldn't post the post I had scheduled for today. Eliot was right, April can be cruel as the earth surges towards renewal. I remember being baffled by that concept when first studying the The Waste Land in school. Still, anyone who's experienced a tornado in the south or mid-west, mud season in New England, or, dare I say, allergies in Virginia, knows just how cruel she can be! And yet, the promise of rebirth, courage and renewal remains. It has to. Where else would we be?
Reader Comments (8)
True, my dear one, but April brought us you ( and my sweet Olivia too) so it most certainly has redeeming qualities. xo
I'm convinced the term "April showers" applies more than to just the rain. It brings May flowers at some point, but I'm feeling really jumpy and "some point" can't come soon enough. I'm afraid to turn the tv on. I didn't have it on when I was home sick, not for fear or avoidance, but just because I wanted quiet. And okay, maybe a little fear and avoidance. Come on, May.
I agree that April can be a chaotic month. It is actually one of my favorite months because I know the universe will make way for change and force it upon me if I should not see the subtle hints. My month has been so hectic and uncomfortable but I see it as uprooting me from my comfort zone to make way for change. POSITIVE change. all this other shit. i don't know what that has to do with. these tragic events truly happen everyday, every month somewhere. and now i am going to turn on the news i haven't heard of the explosion in texas.
xoxo
But then there is "I'll Remember April," by Miles Davis (and others). In the midst of tragedy music can soothe.
All of these events happened in April? I didn't realize...I didn't put it all together. It's eye opening. It seems unbelievable that so much is happening in clusters right now. Let's all collectively hope that it turns around. Power in positive thinking, right? Well, we can hope. xo
It's still happening. We're watching the news right now, and police cars, boat, etc., etc. It's not over. So I understand. It preoccupies everyone, and makes it hard to think about positive things. But there's lots of "good guys" on the TV. Let's hope peace comes soon.
"And yet, the promise of rebirth, courage and renewal remains"...
xx
April certainly is rough. I just learned about what West Nile is all about yesterday and let's just add that to another thing that is freaking me out