The Cherry Blossom (Miharu Takizakura)

• Annie Wu, Grade 8, Sacre Coeur College
• Poetry
• 2022

3rd in the 'Unleashed 2022' competition

Upon a secluded mountaintop
A majestic figure bows and rocks
The coral seashells of the leaves
Dance gracefully through the morning breeze.
Its weeping fuchsia waterfalls
Slowly sway from side to side
Like a jellyfish rising from the waters
Ancient, it blossoms in delight.
With branches made from strong coiled twine
Its powerful glow hesitates
With each breath, it inhales deeply
Over 1000 years, a dawning fate.
Its fading shades of rose
Only resonates its sorrow
Creaking and groaning in fatigue
The sacred scarlet of tomorrow.