I see the promise
Of brighter days
In your tiny, tightly held buds
Of deep magenta pink

Beads of water hold on to them delicately
Showing me that the rain has paused
Above you,
But not below

I find peace in the slow, falling drops
And a sense of calm
A welcome release of control
Because I never know which will fall next

It reminds me not to cling
But to hold on
Ever so gently
Like your buds hold onto the rain
And not to resist
But to surrender
When it’s time to let go

A few quiet buds
Begin to unfold
And excitement stirs in my chest
Because I know something beautiful
And miraculous
Is about to happen

The petals release
Without reservation
Into the light
The deep magenta changing into a softer, frilly pink
Unconditional love
Extending outwards, upwards, downwards
Into the world

You express your love fully
Without fear or hesitation

And then

When it comes time to let go
Your pink blossoms fall to the ground

A pair of tiny hands
Full of wonder and life
Discovers they can finally reach them

With a reminder to be gentle
Two hands gingerly, but clumsily
Pick up a flower

Cradling it in one palm
The pink blossoms are examined earnestly
With sighs of appreciation

After a pause
The flower’s blossoms are lifted up
To take in a breath full of their scent

I hope that somehow
What she sees and breathes in,
Now, but also Then,
Reminds her of love

And that she knows
What happens when you extend love
Wholeheartedly
Without reservation
Without fear
Out into the world

Completely letting go of what happens next

But knowing that love always finds its way to those who seek it

And to those who give it freely

I learn a lot from you
Dear tree
With your blossoms
Each year

Thank you for this lesson
And for the reminder
Of what it means to be alive
And to love Deeply
Gently
Bravely
With all your heart
Holding on ever so lightly
Until it’s time to let go

2.6.2020