The Ides of April
My neighbor, April, down the road, got in the family way.
The birth was heralded for weeks, day after many-a day.
She soon became a media star…a rural legend, yes:
When would the long-necked child arrive was anybody’s guess.
A suffering nation, licking wounds from electoral agitation,
Succumbed to hourly updates on the off-spring’s germination.
People far beyond the town were caught up in the craze:
When would the foal see light of day? How many weeks or days?
Various crews picked up the news and April’s fame unfurled…
Obsessing avid viewers in nations ‘round the world.
Facebook led the basic charge of mass communication,
But all the major news outlets were posting revelation.
Of course, the little mother, AKA reality show,
Was videoed both day and night to track her ebb and flow.
From Canada to Florida, from New York to L.A.,
A constant vigil was maintained until the natal day.
Meanwhile, April, nonchalant, happily munching fodder,
Was unaware as fans’ responses went from odd to odder.
“Just a publicity stunt,” said some. “She’s just a fat giraffe!”
But, April, round with more than snacks, would have the final laugh.
Finally, in April……fifteenth to be exact,
The mottled mother-yet-to-be began her final act.
A planet full of groupies, curiosity a-thirst,
Were suddenly surprised by life, arriving long legs first.
The highly hyped event had come…..the press was on the scene:
Would April’s kid be “Gerald,” or perhaps be “Geraldine”?
And then, to everyone’s delight, and likely April’s joy,
We were informed the gentle mum had birthed a baby boy.
But, ah! The name remains unknown….a contest may be next.
Someone will get to choose a name, perhaps by Facebook text.
Meanwhile this youngster’s famous, dressed in spotted suit of armor,
But all we know about him is that he is quite the charmer.
*****
Written in Honor of April and Son
By
The QOE
4/20/17