Time of the Lilacs

That first spring we picked arms full of lilacs
from bushes that before you were barren
we picnicked in the vineyard of our reclaimed youth
sipping from love’s cup and feeding each other
nourishment for the heart and mind
we danced on hilltops green with new life
whispered forever in each other’s ear
when summer arrived we basked in the warmth
found in each other’s smile and knew
none had ever felt as we
when we strolled virgin beaches
absorbed in knowing none had been so far
and swam in crystal clear waters perhaps too deeply
autumn came and we gathered radiant leaves
tossed them into the air in celebration
a testimony to the colors of our joined soul
all beauty dimmed compared to the knowledge of us
come winter we listened to the quiet of snow gently falling
and built fires of our intense passion
each one warmer than the one before
while outside the world hushed in preparation
alas, when our second spring came
the lilacs did not bloom and the hills crumbled
when faced with reality
they were after all merely illusions
now our souls again wander lonely and alone
in the vast wasteland of love lost
yet I know that one day soon I will awake
to a bright new day and even the pain of now
will succumb to the beauty of memories of you.

© Marcia Miller-Twiford