The Lilac Thief

The Lilac Thief

She is aghast

as I explain that once each year,

just about now,

I drive slowly through the neighborhoods

casing likely targets, and when I find one,

I park just across the street and walk over

with a great inner calm.

I use the very sharpest snips possible,

and cut one, two, but never more than three

clumps of perfectly bloomed purple lilacs,

then move on

until the lead-heavy scent

inside the car makes me almost dopey.

I bring them home and arrange them in vases,

place them where they will find afternoon light.

But, she cries, that is just wrong!

Lilacs belong to all the people.

Yes, I say. Yes.

And I am one of the people.

Young Dawkins is an American-born poet now based in Hobart. He was the 2011 Scottish Slam Poetry Champion, and is a two-time winner of the Huon Valley Storytelling Cup. His work has appeared in journals including Griffith Review, and his poetry collection Slow Walk Home was recently published by Red Squirrel Press. facebook.com/YoungDawkins

A Hobart launch event for his second collection Slow Walk Home, published in Scotland by Red Squirrel Press, will be held in conjunction with Fullers this month. That will see him in conversation with another local writer, Danielle Wood.

When – Thursday 29 April, 17.30

Where – RACV Hotel, 154-156 Collins St, Hobart.

Bookings – https://www.fullersbookshop.com.au/event/slow-walk-home/