April Poetry Challenge, 2026: Day 30: For Jill, Who Read 30 Poems
As we reach the last day of April, thanks to you all for reading, and for your comments. To end the month, a poetic tribute to Jill, who was always the first read each poem 'hot off the press' and inspired me to keep going.
For Jill, who read Thirty Poems in April
During a month of being ambushed nightly
by poems – memories and impressions
that step from the shadows like lost friends
to point a pistol at my heart –
it’s calming to lay each one before you,
always my first reader. Are they any good?
You think so. That’s enough.
Spanking brand new on their white paper
beside the morning coffee – and me guessing
Which one will touch your heart.
You like the human tales, the mysteries,
those jigsaw pieces spread on the table
that need to be fitted together.
Or the half-forgotten memories like stray cats
that needed to be brought indoors.
Each morning it’s different.
Some poems are like sparrows,
Intent on examining the meaning of crumbs.
Some are like hawks that seize on a moment.
The gentlest ones settle and fold their wings like a dove
and these are the ones you love.
CR 30.04.26
www.cringrose.com









