Sakura (Cherry Blossoms)

by Jason K. Dy, SJ

I watch with my eyes closed--

with each ivory plucking
of the dawning breeze
accompanied by the soft, caressing brush
of the creeping light
as it pushes-presses-pulls the spell
cast by the passing night
away from the cherry tree
that slowly awakens from her deep slumber

on the silken string that ties the bridge
of heaven and earth,
of autumn and spring,

the cherry buds are blossoming
into pink and white oriental petals

then in their heightened beauty
falling one by one,
in chorus
steadily dancing to the rhythm
of nature’s flowering

marking their falling with ripples
on the still, quiet stream of water
where they are floating, flowing,
circling around ancient rocks,
cascading into eternal, renewed chants
of silence--


and I doze off to dream.


While listening to the ancient yet refreshing music
of the 13-stringed Japanese instrument called KOTO.
August 2, 2005
ADMU