We’ll Gather Lilacs

Because of our present lockdown situation, and because of the anniversary of VE Day on Friday, there is much talk of life in Britain in the Second World War. Vera Lynn’s song “We’ll meet again” has suddenly become popular. Equally poignant at the time was her lovely song “We’ll gather lilacs in the spring again”. It was a favourite of my mother’s, but she was superstitious and would never bring lilac into the house, saying it was unlucky. My lilac is a miniature version, but it is just as beautiful and smells very sweetly. But I don’t bring it indoors!