“April is the cruelest month,” penned T.S. Eliot in 1922, but is it really? The famous line begins his famous poem, “The Waste Land.” Later in life, Eliot confessed that he wrote the poem during a period of great personal despair. His marriage had turned out to be an unresolvable failure, and all seemed to be doom and gloom.
Literary critics attributed the ravages of World War I to affecting the mindset of the post-war period. Death, loss and destruction had overwhelmed post-war Europe, causing many folks to become cynical. The promises of spring regarding new life and renewal seemed empty.
Eliot later denounced the critics as “nonsense.” While he admitted that some people might have read into “The Waste Land” at their own disillusionment, that was not his intent. Eliot eventually pulled himself out of his own depressed mental state as he distanced himself from his wife’s emotional problems. His road to faith conversion, hope and redemption is captured in later works.
That being said about Eliot and his early disillusionment, the question of April’s cruelness remains. Before the time of mostly paved roads, April was considered a muddy month. With the spring thaw, frozen winter ground gave way to muck on dirt roads and footpaths. Occasional rains added to the mess. Slogging through mud was the price paid for spring growth.
Looking on the bright side, April’s messiness is balanced with blossoms and sprouting greenery among other signals of new life. While spring officially begins in March, the month of April is more identified with seasonal rebirth.
Spring rains are normal and inspire the saying “April showers bring May flowers.” Unfortunately, April throughout the northern hemisphere can also be riddled with damaging downpours and hailstorms.
According to history.com, on April 13, 1630, an unusual hailstorm resulted in the death of more than 1,000 British soldiers who were invading France. Not all were killed by the damaging hailstones. Many soldiers died in the resulting horse stampede, and others died from freezing to death.
Though a dreadful tragedy, new life did emerge from the disaster. King Edward III of England made peace with France.
On a lighter note, April 13, 1796, marks the arrival of the first elephant in the United States. Old Ber, as she was named, was taken around the country as a novelty exhibition. She eventually was purchased by Hachaliah Bailey of Barnum and Bailey Circus fame.
With warm days of spring, crowds came out to enjoy circuses complete with increasing numbers of elephants as they toured the country.
The enthusiasm for spring circus tours is captured by The Manhattan Transfer in “Tubby at the Circus.” They said, “I can always tell it’s spring when the circus comes to town.” The song goes on to joke about circus animals performing impossible antics. It surmises, “Be yourself to be happy.”
“Tubby at the Circus” videos and lyrics can be found with a simple internet search. Look it up for a refreshing taste of spring joy.
Many of the troubles previously associated with April are no longer a problem. Improved roads and automobiles make getting around during spring rain much easier.
Even in spite of the downsides, humanity historically has considered spring to be a time of hope and promise. It is a time to look forward to with expectations.
Indeed, April can be a cruel month for those who dwell on the negative and refuse to cast away the doldrums of winter.
In this world, bad things are bound to happen in any season of the year. We have the choice to rise above them and to be positive. Look at what is good and do what is necessary to make life better for ourselves and others. (Janet Miller’s e-book, Family Prayers and Activities: Weekly Guides, is for families or prayer groups. Janet is the creator of Friends on the Way, an e-resource for churches to teach families about the Bible and discipleship. Find it at www.TeamRCIA.com)
