A Place for Lilacs

In the dooryard fronting an old farm-house near the white-wash’d palings, 

Stands the lilac-bush tall-growing with heart-shaped leaves of rich green, 

With many a pointed blossom rising delicate, with the perfume strong I love, 

With every leaf a miracle—and from this bush in the dooryard, 

With delicate-color’d blossoms and heart-shaped leaves of rich green, 

A sprig with its flower I break. 

            from  When Lilacs in the Dooryard Bloom’d

by Walt Whitman

The great lilac bush near the barn at Merry Mount

"The Lovers in the Lilacs" by Marc Chagall

The Lovers in the Lilacs

(after the painting by Marc Chagall)

In this bower we will make our nest.

We will step lightly among the blossoms,

disturbing nothing;

Our talk will be of lilacs

and the warm April sun;

Our touch will be the caresses of ripe fruit;

And our song will lift

 like prayers

on the scented air.

                                   

                                                July, 2015

                                                Marrowstone Island

By Robert Bode

The twins observe Robbie's lilac bush at Merry Mount

April Senses

I walk with Joy and Eva.

Each holds onto one of my pinkies.

Suddenly the aroma of lilacs wafts in the wind.

We go in search of beauty.

In future years when the girls have blossomed into adults,

Will the fragrance of April draw them into a bed of lilacs?

CPW