Lilacs
by Wilda Morris

We used to buy each other lilacs
and walk together in the woods.
We listened for the pileated woodpecker
among the cedars and the pines.

We used to walk together on the path
made by the white-tailed deer
among the cedars and the pines.
Last year’s dead leaves and pine needles

muffled footsteps of the white-tailed deer.
Streaks of sunlight dappled the ground,
sometimes falling on last year’s leaves,
sometimes on half-hidden wildflowers.

Streaks of sunlight fell on your face
when we walked on to edge of the pond
where we knelt to admire waterlilies
before you took me in your arms.

We can no longer walk to the pond
or the woods to listen to pileated woodpeckers
but you still take me in your arms
and we still buy each other lilacs.



 

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