Syringa Vulgaris Poem by Kevin Fisher-paulson

Syringa Vulgaris

In the backyard of our home in Yaphank,
a single lilac grew between the scrub pines,
gray branches hidden in blue spruce and snow
until late April’s deep purple glory.

A single lilac grew between the scrub pines,
for just one morn a fragrance in the wood
until late April’s deep purple glory.
On that first light, the trumpeter swans,

for just one morn a fragrance in the wood-
always a couplet, gathered their cygnets-
on that short light the trumpeters swans
arced across the Carmans River,

always a couplet, gathered their cygnets,
golden bills against white feathers
arced across the Carmans River,
great wings scraping the lake, but not the sky,

golden bill against white feathers
scattering the pale pink water lilies,
great wings scraping the lake, but not the sky
but as day grew wide, the violet faded.

February 10, Feast of Saints Scholastica and Benedict, Patron Saint of Twin Girls