Delight Sneaks Upon You

Delight sneaks upon you
just when you think your heart is breaking,
that no matter how you try
to understand this un-chosen breaking open
you will simply fail, and fail again.
And then you see how the crab apples blossom
all white and glorious and fresh,
how the roses begin to bud
aphid-less and all spring new,
and the aroma of the lilacs
springs into your very core
as you pass by on your way
to visit her, the one who is leaving,
who may not return.
In that moment you pause from your
rushing-to-claim-just-one-more
(possibly the last)
moment in her presence.
You lean toward the perfumed blossoms,
four-petalled wonders
surrounding that small golden center,
and imagine her breath as fragrant,
her repose as peaceful,
your connection as everlasting
as the sweet-smelling cluster
and its miniature sunrise core.