2015: Sakura

Dear Friends, far and wide,

OHANAMI    // Grand Flower Viewing  // Cherry [Sakura] Blossom Season

Trees in full bloom along riverbanks.
Branches arching over pathways
Tints of white and pink.
Pedals floating in the breeze
Gathering on dark surfaces.
People drawn to this
Spring spectacle.

Shallow Taganogawa river
Barefoot kids testing cold water.
Ducks pairing off, or not.
Wading birds searching for a meal.
Boys throwing stones.
Stone monument built
On pebble strewn river bed
With leg stretching into water.

Singles on foot or bike.
Young couples hand in hand
Seniors in comfort.
Dog walkers in the mix
Families with kids
Babes in arms and older
Spread out on blue tarps
Enjoying obento lunch boxes.

Obscure Sosui stream/canal of old
Well below the narrow street
Lined with sakura in bloom
On both banks stretching
Over the narrow waterway.
Fewer folk, local Kyoto-ites
Sight imparted couple
Each with white canes
Happily chatting.
Bikers, joggers, dog walkers,
Singles, couples, taxis slowing gliding.

Petals falling
Collecting in the shallow waters.
Later, a stream of pink as Season
Ends.

Cheers,
Glen