we lost hope
winter seemed forever
spring so far away
we cowered inside
our faces turned from windows
and hidden in blankets
while we looked away,
frightened beyond reason
that cold would surely end us
lilacs bloomed like surprises
whipped out of gardens
on winds through front doors
then we knew again
lilacs smell better after winter
on days sodden with rain and lightning flashes
lilacs aromas conjure horizons
where green wheat meets stormy skies
thunder shakes creation
tempests rip flowers
into still-cold spring
but gales can’t harm them
they’ve reminded us
how far we have come
into the light
