To the Lilac Bush

- Claire Rossini

Flowers who have not labored
To be among us,

Who freely ladle purple
Into air,

You, lilacs,

I can't smell you
Without growing young,

This spring becoming
Every spring

I've entered,
My senses opening

Like mouths.

[NOTE: This was posted by Bobbie Benson to mark the Poem-in-Your-Pocket Day, 2009, with this accompanying note: Here's an excerpt from Claire Rossini's "To the Lilac Bush" to add to your pocket. It's in Claire's book, Lingo, a journey through life and language that's both lovely and clear-sighted.]