In Defence of Hedonism
by Janice D. Soderling
Outside my open window, the reckless lilacs bloom.
From dark-dipped roots sweet essence drifts into a wider room.
Uneasy scents entwine and twist and foul the fierce perfume.
Decay curls tense in tender buds, death lurks in early May.
But languid purple opening holds me pawn and prey.
Extravagant abandonment can only end in grief.
I've watched it flare in other years. I know its span is brief.
But feral beauty, derelict, a wild and wanton thing
now seizes me, and teases me, my thin heart ravishing.
Outside my open window, the wretched lilacs cling.