Poem Analysis - Always Marry An April Girl

A Celebration of Love and Change

Ogden Nash's Always Marry An April Girl is a playful yet heartfelt ode to the unpredictable nature of love, using April as a metaphor for a beloved partner. The tone is affectionate and admiring, with a lighthearted shift between contrasting descriptions of April—from "gracious" to "rowdy"—mirroring the ups and downs of a romantic relationship. The poem's brevity and rhythmic flow enhance its charm, making it feel like a joyful declaration.

Themes: Love, Duality, and Constancy

The poem explores love as both tender and tempestuous, comparing the beloved to April's ever-changing weather. Lines like "Gracious, cruel, tender, rowdy" highlight the duality of human emotions, suggesting that love embraces contradictions. Despite these shifts, the closing line—"Ever changing, ever true"—emphasizes constancy, implying that true love endures even through unpredictability.

Symbolism of April

April serves as a central symbol, representing the dynamic qualities of the beloved. "April golden, April cloudy" contrasts warmth and gloom, while "soft in flowered languor" and "cold with sudden anger" evoke the season's capriciousness. This imagery suggests that love, like spring, is a mix of beauty and volatility. The poem invites readers to consider: can love's fleeting moods deepen its authenticity?

Conclusion: Embracing Imperfection

Nash's poem celebrates love in all its imperfect, ever-changing glory. By likening a partner to April, he suggests that the very traits that make love challenging—its unpredictability—also make it vibrant and real. The poem's joyful tone and vivid imagery leave readers with a reassuring message: true love isn't flawless, but it is enduring.