Reviews from

Clustered Lilacs

The truth about lilacs across America's heartland

49 total reviews 
Comment from CrystieCookie999
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

A narrative poem about lilacs with informative tidbits of information that I had never heard of before. I do know they are long-lived, as we have a lilac bush in the backyard that has been there at least 40 years. That natural fertilizer from former outhouses making the lilacs bloom was the best.

 Comment Written 27-Jan-2020

Comment from Chrissy710
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hi Diane, A lovely poem , with a great story about the lilacs I love lilacs and they always remind me of my Nana's house she had them and they were lovely. I also remember the outhouse bit dont remember liliacs there Maybe they were LOL.
an accomplished poet well done Cheers Chris

 Comment Written 27-Jan-2020


reply by the author on 27-Jan-2020
    Hello Chrissy!
    I am honored by your exceptional rating and thoughtful review!
    I never thought I'd be writing a poem about "outhouses!"
    So very pleased you enjoyed!

    Thank you!
    diane
Comment from Y. M. Roger
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Oh, Diane!! I'm in tears and I even flipped over and read the short article... you know, lilacs were the favorite 'tree' of David's grandmother that lived up in Midland (her passion was orchids, but that's another matter...). But she would even where that purple lilac color, but when folks asked about the color (lavender, usually) she would correct them with that sharp, little 4ft10in wit: "it's lilac"! Anyway, you not only taught my something but you warmed my heart my friend....THANK YOU!! :) :) I do hope you consider having this published in one of those small picture gift books where there is but a single quatrain per two pages...where each two page view is big gorgeous pic with the quatrain inset... I'd LOVE a copy if you do!! ;) :) Thanx much and have an awesome week! :) Yvette

 Comment Written 26-Jan-2020


reply by the author on 26-Jan-2020
    Hello dear Yvette!
    Well, when you come to visit me in Traverse City, we will get busy on that book! :)
    I so love the history of lilacs, and they bloom profusely in northern Michigan. On Mackinaw Island, in June, is the Lilac Festival. Now that is a glorious time to be had!
    I am honored by your exceptional rating and heartfelt review!
    You know, my grandmother McNeil lived in Auburn, Michigan -and she was about 5' 3" French-Canadian! Wouldn't that be something if Dave's grandmother knew my grandmother? :)
    On to a beautiful week!

    Thank you again, Yvette!
    diane
Comment from June Sargent
Excellent
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Thank you for sharing this history lesson. It was informative, sad and funny at the same time! Now I shall looks at lilacs through different eyes. Each bush might just have a story to tell...

 Comment Written 26-Jan-2020


reply by the author on 26-Jan-2020
    Hello June!
    Lilacs bloom profusely where I live on Old Mission Peninsula =a huge farming land...
    So pleased you enjoyed!

    Thank you!
    diane
Comment from Dancemom
Excellent
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This is a well written iambic pentameter poem about lilacs. I didn't know about the outhouses and buried children and lilacs. This was informative. Great job and thank you for sharing.

 Comment Written 26-Jan-2020

Comment from Susan X Smith
Excellent
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This is an interesting story within a poem. I was happy to read a bit of history of the lilac bush. My mother grew up without electricity but she had a bathroom. My father had no bathroom but he did have electricity. I never heard him tell of lilacs being planted near the outhouse. This was a new one to me.

 Comment Written 26-Jan-2020

Comment from Boogienights
Excellent
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I love lilacs but this poem puts then in a whole new light. My mom and i spent many hours picking lilacs to brighten up the house and drink in its lovely fragrance. Thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 26-Jan-2020

Comment from Diana L Crawford
Excellent
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Thank you for expounding in the history of lilacs. They are a favorite of mine and my mother's too. She had a large bush just outside the kitchen window and the scent filled the room when gentle breezes blew. I love even the deep mulberry colored lilacs that bloom before all others. xoxo

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 Comment Written 26-Jan-2020

Comment from Cindy Warren
Excellent
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I didn't know lilacs had such an interesting history. They seem willing to grow pretty much anywhere, and I suppose the old outhouse would provide them with fertilizer.

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 Comment Written 26-Jan-2020


reply by the author on 26-Jan-2020
    Hello Cindy,

    Thank you!

    diane