284 Spring in Japan

“Spring in Japan”

A monotone has enveloped the mountains
But gradually, color returns
Beginning with the flowering of plum, peach, and magnolia
At our feet, butterbur scape is sprouting

But the star of spring is the cherry blossom (“sakura”)
It starts in the south and moves slowly northwards
Bathing the Japanese islands in pale pink

Since ancient times, sakura have charmed the people of Japan
Becoming the most beloved flower of our hearts
At one time “sakura are blooming” or “sakura are falling”
Were sent as telegrams to students hoping to enter college,
Meaning they had passed or failed the entrance exam
Today the sayings survive, representing the ups and downs of life

The petals open all at once and show their lovely faces
Then fall all at once in a spring storm, undaunted
They embody one of Japan’s aesthetic senses:
An awareness of nature’s impermanence
In the language of flowers, “Spiritual Beauty”