THE scent of lilac in the air Hath made him drag his steps and pause Whence comes this scent within the Square, Where endless dusty traffic roars?
A push-cart stands beside the curb, With fragrant blossoms laden high;Speak low, nor stare, lest we disturb His sudden reverie!
He sees us not, nor heeds the din Of clanging car and scuffling throng;His eyes see fairer sights within, And memory hears the robin's song As once it trilled against the day, And shook his slumber in a room Where drifted with the breath of May The lilac's sweet perfume.
The heart of boyhood in him stirs;
The wonder of the morning skies, Of sunset gold behind the firs, Is kindled in his dreaming eyes:
How far off is this sordid place, As turning from our sight away He crushes to his hungry face A purple lilac spray.
