Lilacs in June

These honey-scented
           purple inflorescences
have had their day
           these once bright clusters
or panicles of flowers
           are fading fast and
oxidation in many
           has already had its way
with once vivid hues
           now drained to rust

if there is a lesson
           it is to make hay
yet not to forget
           that in turn the hay
will one day turn
           to dust

John Lyons