The lilacs act as if there were nothing

b"h 

5/5/13

The lilacs act as if there were nothing 

In the world but their lavender selves. Their 

Purple perfume paints the air with 

Perfect selfishness. The daffodils do their 

Dumb dances and blow their time-worn 

Trumpets -- as if their tired tunes were 

A new music -- never heard before -- either 

By ear or by wind. The willows wear their 

Jaded veils and justify their dusty jewels -- 

As they have done for years and years of 

Springtimes -- openly oblivious to the fact 

That now is forever and forever is final. 

No doubt there is some truth in the garden -- 

But don't ask me anything about it.

Reviews

[Paula]

There are no bright, sparkly innovations in this poem. No superfluous clevernesses. And that is what makes this poem an instant classic: it stands like the willow, the lilacs, the daffodils - beautiful,.. just because 'they are', and barely seem to even try.
A lovely and thoughtful write here.

[Firestone Feinberg]

Thank you Paula for your perceptive and interesting comment. It changed my view of the poem a bit. Your words are so crisp and fresh. A joy to read. Thanks also for putting my poem in your library. I am honored! David

[John]

Nature, often a conduit to the inner sanctum of truth, is here viewed as selfish and repetitive. Truth, in fact, cannot be found among the daffodils, the willows and the lilacs, or at least cannot be discerned by the speaker, for it exists outside the natural cycle of birth and death. The vision is negative but the tone playful. The alliterative 'ps' and 'ds' and 'ts' and the poet’s exasperation when faced with a flower's selfishness brighten the moment rather than leading to feelings of despair at the sheer wastefulness and incoherence of the natural world. The poem does, of course, cue the argument that nature is in fact entirely comprehensible. Its ‘selfishness’ (i.e. indifference to humanity) and its repetitions have made it eminently successful.

[Firestone Feinberg]

John! What a wonderful review! I think it would be worth it for me to write poems just to get your brilliant reviews! How thoughtful and eye-opening your words! To be sure, your review changed my own outlook on the poem; somehow it seems better than it was... What a writer you are. Language is your water. I am humbled. David

[jacob erin-cilberto]

oh what nice theory in this..."now is forever and forever is final"

i like that..

i also like how the lilacs can be compared to self serving people...egotists who think the world revolves around them...the ones who dominate conversations with the same old stories time after time...the center of attention people...who really wear on others.

this is a really terrific, insightful write about how we are...and yet there is beauty in all human life i guess..we can find some good in everyone...

jacob

[Firestone Feinberg]

Dear Jacob, thank you for taking so much of your time and energy to review this poem. Your words make me like it better! Your comments are so interesting and so wonderful to consider. It is an honor to be in the company of such poets as yourself. Thank you. --David