Our Town Poetry: ‘Lilac City Promise’ by Lisa Conger

‘Lilac City Promise’

“A city becomes a world when one loves one of its inhabitants.” – Lawrence Durrell

A Seattle restaurant posts this sign:

“We reserve the right to serve only

those in love,

those who have been in love,

or those who want to be in love,”

and I want Spokane to adopt this idea

as a Lilac City promise.

If you don’t already have loved ones around,

or even if you do,

pick someone out at the STA plaza –

the single mom struggling with child and stroller,

the older couple standing in line at the Bing,

or ahead of you, the teen with the tatts

at the Knitting Factory.

Love them. Love them all.

Look the homeless man in the eye,

greet him as a neighbor.

Send each one an out-of-season

but always welcome,

Valentine of compassion.

Just what is this world coming to?