We’re pretty pleased in mid-May by our lilacs:
the one is mauve, the other gentle red;
and both of them have grown and put forth blossoms
and sweet perfume we savor from our bed.

And next block east an apple tree is blooming
a gorgeous pink that augurs well for fall:
and everywhere the gardens are reacting
to sun and showers and urgings from us all.

But yesterday while walking in this splendor
I saw a tree that made it all look pale:
a lilac in full bloom that was filling all the room
in a garden yard that wore it like a veil;

Its single trunk a sturdy ancient carving
a twisted marvel, green and purple royal:
lovely, ancient, breathing sweetness on the street
like a kitchen baking riches, from the soil.

And so the reach of time our lilacs’ stature
paints more sweet Mays in others’ floral future.

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