When Lilacs First Open Up in Spring

When Lilacs First Open Up in Spring

In Memoriam: Thomas Thornburg
September 23, 1937 – July 8, 2020

When lilacs first open up in spring
Before the zinnias begin to bloom
My heart sinks but then begins to sing.

The lavender clusters commence unfurling,
Sweet fragrance spilling into the garden’s room—
When lilacs first open up in spring.

I glimpse the tender buds emerging,
Each petal wafting its honeyed perfume,
My heart sinks but then begins to sing.

Springtime’s first sweet beckoning
Is relieving winter from its frozen tomb
When lilacs first open up in spring.

Though sorrow may stab, hope is stirring
In every branch’s tender plume—
My heart sinks but then begins to sing.

Nature’s cycle has the earth returning
To cheer away the winter’s gloom.
When lilacs first open up in spring,
My heart sinks but then begins to sing.