'April 21' by David Lehman

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I'm a very average person,
and I think most people are.
I vote with the common man.
I have two kids, a boy and a girl.
Last Sunday I played golf with the boss.
Hey, it beats working.
I'm his wife. I may be brainless but
I'm her husband. I played golf with her
Last Sunday I played golf with the boss
and it was the first warm morning in May
and like every other moron driving a lawnmower
I'm their husband. I may be brainless but
I'm their wife. I'm their mother.
I have two kids, a boy and a girl,
and it was the first warm morning in May
and I think most people are
like every other moron driving a lawnmower.
I'm a very average person.
I vote with the common man.
Hey, it beats working.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Exploring the Depths of David Lehman's "April 21"

April is a month of renewal and hope, of new beginnings and fresh starts. It is a time when the dull grey of winter is replaced by the bright colors of spring, when the air is filled with the sweet scent of flowers and trees. In his poem "April 21," David Lehman captures the essence of this transformative month, painting a picture of a world in flux, full of uncertainty yet also full of promise. Through his use of vivid imagery, subtle wordplay, and poignant metaphors, Lehman invites us to join him on a journey of discovery, to explore the hidden depths of this familiar time of year.

At its core, "April 21" is a poem about change. From the very first line, Lehman establishes this theme, describing how "the weather changed overnight" (line 1). This sudden shift in the environment sets the tone for the rest of the poem, signaling that nothing is quite as it seems, that everything is in a state of flux. The speaker tells us that "the morning air is all awash with angels" (line 2), painting a picture of a world suffused with light and magic, where even the air itself seems imbued with supernatural energy. This image sets the tone for the rest of the poem, suggesting that the world around us is full of hidden wonders, waiting to be discovered.

Throughout the poem, Lehman uses a variety of images and metaphors to explore this theme of change. For example, he tells us that "the trees shake off their glittering coats of ice / and break their jewel boxes into leaves" (lines 4-5). This image is both beautiful and evocative, suggesting that the natural world is shedding its old skin and entering a new phase of growth and vitality. Similarly, he describes how "the old pond breathes out its last steam / as frogs and toads leap in the dark" (lines 6-7). This image is more mysterious and haunting, suggesting that even the most familiar of places can be transformed by the power of change.

One of the most striking things about "April 21" is its use of wordplay and puns. Lehman frequently plays with language, using puns and double meanings to create a sense of ambiguity and mystery. For example, he writes that "the catfish noodling / under the bridge with his sandpaper mouth / makes the river sizzle like a frying pan" (lines 12-14). This image is both playful and unsettling, suggesting that even the most mundane of activities can take on a sense of danger and excitement. Similarly, he writes that "the sky is a lacquer box / where maidens throw their hair / and clouds their lacquer combs" (lines 8-10). Here, Lehman merges two disparate images – the sky as a box and the clouds as combs – to create a surreal and dreamlike image that is both beautiful and disorienting.

Another key element of "April 21" is its exploration of the relationship between the natural world and human society. Throughout the poem, Lehman juxtaposes images of nature with images of human activity, suggesting that the two are intimately intertwined. For example, he writes that "the ice breaks up and floats away / like worries that vanish when you pray" (lines 15-16). Here, he links the natural process of ice melting with the human desire to find peace and solace. Similarly, he describes how "the young girl writes secrets in the sky / with a sparkler that weaves its windy path / up to the vaulted heavens" (lines 17-19). This image is both whimsical and profound, suggesting that human creativity can be just as transformative as the natural world.

In conclusion, "April 21" is a rich and evocative poem that explores the theme of change through vivid imagery, subtle wordplay, and poignant metaphors. Through his use of language, Lehman invites us to explore the hidden depths of the world around us, to see the magic and beauty in even the most familiar of things. Whether we are watching the trees shed their coats of ice, listening to the frogs leap in the dark, or writing secrets in the sky with a sparkler, Lehman reminds us that the world is full of wonder and possibility, waiting to be discovered. So let us join him on this journey of discovery, and see where the winds of change will take us next.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

April 21: A Poem of Hope and Renewal

David Lehman's poem "April 21" is a beautiful and inspiring work that captures the essence of springtime and the hope and renewal it brings. With its vivid imagery and powerful language, the poem speaks to the human spirit and reminds us of the beauty and wonder of the natural world.

At its core, "April 21" is a celebration of the arrival of spring. The poem begins with a description of the season's first warm day, when "the sun shines brighter / and the air is sweet with the scent of new growth." This opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with images of rebirth and renewal.

One of the most striking aspects of "April 21" is its use of vivid and evocative imagery. Lehman's descriptions of the natural world are both beautiful and powerful, and they help to create a sense of wonder and awe in the reader. For example, in the second stanza, he writes:

"The trees are budding, the grass is greening, and the birds are singing their sweetest songs."

These lines paint a vivid picture of the world coming back to life after a long, cold winter. The image of the trees budding and the grass greening is particularly powerful, as it suggests that even the most dormant and lifeless parts of the natural world are capable of renewal and growth.

Another key element of "April 21" is its use of language. Lehman's writing is both lyrical and powerful, and he uses words and phrases that are both beautiful and meaningful. For example, in the third stanza, he writes:

"Hope is in the air, and the promise of new beginnings is written in the sky."

These lines capture the essence of springtime, with its sense of hope and possibility. The use of the phrase "promise of new beginnings" is particularly powerful, as it suggests that even in the darkest of times, there is always the possibility of renewal and growth.

Overall, "April 21" is a beautiful and inspiring poem that captures the essence of springtime and the hope and renewal it brings. With its vivid imagery and powerful language, the poem speaks to the human spirit and reminds us of the beauty and wonder of the natural world. Whether you are a lover of poetry or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of the world around us, "April 21" is a must-read work that is sure to inspire and uplift.

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