Figure 1 – Lilacs, (c) DE Wolf 2017.

Late May is lilac time in New England. First the scientific facts, the common lilac is Syringa vulgaris from the olive family Oleaceae. It was originally native to the Balkan Peninsula, but because of its beauty and subtle sweet smell has been widely cultivated in much of Europe and North America. It is not an aggressive plant. Its presence in the woods invariably represents a nearby forgotten homestead – a kind of remembrance.

A friend brought some cut lilacs for my wife, and yesterday afternoon I was taken by the dramatic illumination of these flowers by a ray of late afternoon sunlight. I took the image of Figure 1 with my IPhone, but discovered that it greatly benefited by a fill flash. The added bonus was the night like background. I suggest this to flower photographers. Highlight them with coal black night.

Nothing is without connotation. And for my generation- bring out your racoon skin hats friends – it conjures up Fess Parker singing the traditional Irish folsong “Green Grow the Lilacs” in the 1956 movie “Westward Ho the Wagons.” Apologies to those of different generations. Please do not yawn too loudly.

“Green grow the lilacs, all sparkling with dew

I’m lonely, my darling, since parting with you;

But by our next meeting IU’ll hope to prove true

And change the green lilacs to the Red, White and Blue.

I once had a sweetheart, but now I have none

She’s gone and she’s left me, I care not for one

Since she’s gone and left me, contented I’ll be,

For she loves another one better than me.

I passed my love’s window, both early and late

The look that she gave me, it makes my heart ache;

Oh, the look that she gave me was painful to see,

For she loves another one better than me.

I wrote my love letters in rosy red lines,

She sent me an answer all twisted and twined;

Saying,”Keep your love letters and I will keep mine

Just you write to your love and I’ll write to mine”.

I always think of that song when I pass lilacs on the road, and childhood associations come immediately to mind. I invariably wind up singing what was once my theme song – Davy Crockett. Those were simpler times.