Lilacs

If you've been in my neighborhood lately, you may have noticed that the lilacs are absolutely gorgeous this year. I've been going out of my way to stick my nose in every bunch of flowers on every lilac bush I come across, breathing in as much of that heavenly smell as I possibly can.

The flowers made me think of this song by Rachmaninoff. It was originally a vocal piece based on a poem by Ekaterina Beketova that he then transcribed for solo piano. It is lovely. Happy listening.

In case  you are interested, here is the poem, translated from the original Russian.

Lilacs

In the morning, at daybreak,
over the dewy grass,
I will go to breathe the crisp dawn;
and in the fragrant shade,
where the lilac crowds,
I will go to seek my happiness.

In life, only one happiness
it was fated for me to discover,
and that happiness lives in the lilacs;
in the green boughs,
in the fragrant bunches,
my poor happiness blossoms.

~ Ekaterina Beketova