Yoshino Cherry Blossoms

       –C.A.E.  03/12/2023

             I step into blazing light.

The blossoms compete with the sun for brightness.

They lose– But score decisively on whiteness 

with a pink tip.

Two days ago, the wind blew away our daffodil blossoms–– 

They thought they might live forever

   but were whipped from beauty 

           in to untimely d . . th.

She planted this tree.

I have a need to weep 

      but my throat aches

         and there are no tears.

I would like to sob but am unable.

    I fail to find the missing tears,

         My throat burns on their behalf.

There are no breezes.

Single blossoms drift

      straight down

           to the path ––

Not aware that they

are alive no more.

If the wind fails in its appointed duties

The blossoms will hug each other and,

by that embrace,

    form a soft, white shroud  …

Perhaps they know the cherries

   are right behind ...

Perhaps they are willing 

    to sacrifice beauty

       to welcome sweet savor.

                 * * * 

I go to the village senior-center for lunch.

I would like to eat without conversation,

    but cannot.

I chat at the table 

    but do not speak 

        and do not hear.

I return after lunch more than an hour later.

There has been no wind at all.

The petals have not moved.

They believe that they are safe.

They aren't –– a big mistake . . .

I walk into the house and close the door.

I sit down and look at a photograph of a happy day.

   She is smiling

       So am I.

It is the least I can do for her ––

        it is the best I can do 

                   for me.

 

Yoshino Cherry Blossoms

            for Charles

How sweet the sorrow

that sleeps through the night 

     and dreams!

Oh, the blossoming!