Lilac-Time-Alfred Noyes

LILAC-TIME

Go down to Kew in lilac-time, in lilac-time, in

lilac-time;

Go down to Kew in lilac-time (it isn't far from 

London!)

And you shall wander hand in hand with love

in summer's wonderland;

Go down to Kew in lilac-time (it isn't far from

London!)

The cherry-trees are seas of bloom, and soft per-

fume and sweet perfume,

The cherry-trees are seas of bloom (and oh, so

near to London!)

And there they say, when dawn is high, and all

the world's a blaze of sky,

The cuckoo, though he's very shy, will sing a song

for London.

The Dorian nightingale is rare, and yet they say

you'll hear him there,

At Kew, at Kew in lilac-time (and oh, so near to

London!)

The linnet and the throstle, too, and after dark the

long halloo

And golden-eyed tu-whit, tu-whoo, of owls that

ogle London. 

For Noah hardly knew a bird of any kind that

isn't heard

At Kew, at Kew in lilac-time (and oh, so near to 

London!)

And when the rose begins to pout and all the

chestnut spires are out

You'll hear the rest without a doubt, al chorus-

ing for London:-

Come down to Kew in lilac-time, in lilac-time, in

lilac-time;

Come down to Kew in lilac-time (it isn't far from 

London!)

And you shall wander hand in hand with love

in summer's wonderland;

Come down to Kew in lilac-time (it isn't far from

London!)

ALFRED NOYES

Summary: 'Lilac-Time' by Alfred Noyes is a charming and lyrical poem that invites reader to visit the beautiful gardens of Kew in springtime, particularly when the lilacs are in bloom. The poet beckons reader to make their way to Kew, a place not far from London, where they can experience the enchantment of nature and love. 

The poem describes the blooming cherry trees, which create a sea of fragrant blossoms near London. It suggests that at dawn, when the sky is ablaze with colour, even the usually shy cuckoo will sing a song dedicated to the city of London. Additionally, the poem mentions the rare Dorian nightingale, whose melodious song can be heard at Kew, along with the cheerful voices of the linnet, throstle, and the haunting calls of owls at night.

As spring progresses and the roses begin to bloom, the poet assures readers that they will be surrounded by a chorus of birdsong and the vibrant sights and scents of nature. The poem concludes with a repeated invitation to come to Kew during lilac-time, emphasizing that this beautiful experience is not far from the bustling city of London. It promises that visitors will find themselves strolling hand in hand with love in a magical summer wonderland.

'Lilac-Time' celebrates the beauty of nature, the arrival of spring, and the joyous of harmony between human beings and the natural world. It invites readers to embrace the enchantment of lilac-time at Kew and enjoy the wonders of love and nature's chorus in this idyllic setting.