Branches reaching, creaking, twisting,
Branches holding their glorious crowns high,
Crowns of pink and white
Budding gently.
A stiff breeze tears,
Ripping jewels from their setting.
Anguish for beauty’s distress
Once harsh is now delight,
Tender petals sweep my cheeks,
Velvet pink kisses.
A chilly river catches,
Transporting jewels along the way.
Sweet scent fills the cool air,
Floating, drifting, swirling –
Dancing!
Cherry blossoms dance!
These buds of pink and white
Dance and float and tumble
From their branches,
Through the air,
To the grass,
The water,
Even man-made things.
Cement memorials,
Wooden benches,
Metal trashcans.
A world coated in pink and white jewels.
I stop, and I look. I breathe in and out.
I see monuments, water, grass, and people
All coated in pink and white buds.
I stop and I remember: these jewels are a gift.
A gift signifying friendship.
These jewels were not made simply for my enjoyment.
These buds are a reminder.
I stop, and I silently say,
Thank you. These beautiful buds have brightened my day,
With their glorious colors, sweet scent, and tender kisses.
These beautiful cherry blossoms,
This gift of friendship,
Reminds me…
How to love, to smile, to forgive, to laugh, to try…
To be human.
As an author, Alexandra Rexford enjoys writing stories with wit and romance, including a dash of danger. In a perfect world, she would spend all her time writing, reading, sipping hot cocoa, and snuggling with her dogs.
Featured image by Katie Moum on Unsplash.
