Lilacs In September

LILACS IN SEPTEMBER

Shocked to the root
like the lilac bush
in the vacant lot
by the hurricane–

whose black  branch split
by wind or rain
has broken out
unseasonably

into these scant ash-
colored blossoms
lifted high
as if to say

to passersby
What will unleash
itself in you
when your storm comes?
                          Katha Pollitt

Spirea, not lilacs, but close enough in tone

I was reminded of this on another platform. It seemed apt for this week.