Pink Perspective in a Japanese Garden

Welcome stranger on this Sunday afternoon. Open the gate and step into magic.

Only one cherry tree graces our village park. Magnificent in stature and beauty, it has stood for longer than our oldest inhabitants, perhaps longer than the grandparents of those oldest inhabitants. It showers pink blessings on our everyday lives and gives solace to those who raise their eyes to glimpse its beauty.

See the dogs, freed from their restraints as they slide across the ground on slippery pink petals, hear the owner’s laughter and children’s joy as it echoes on the breeze.

There, two lovers search for heart shaped petals among the blossoms that cascade from its branches. The petals are the tree’s annual gift to the land which sustains it.

Watch as the old man gently sweeps aside the petals falling onto the pathway. He is careful to leave piles for the children to scatter. It is a repetitive task, but one, he will tell you,  that brings him joy every year. Look quickly, that little one has “accidentally” bumped the tree to shower in pink snow; his merriment is reflected in his mother’s eyes.

Do you see the old woman as she sits alone on the bench near the tree? She is known and loved by all the villagers, but her solitude is respected. It has been many years since her husband died at cherry blossom time, still she returns every year to remember. “One tear for each pink petal will not be enough,” she will reply if a stranger should remark on her grief.

Our tree showers us with memories, beauty and wonder. It illuminates our lives and colours our perspective. It is our pride and our joy. It anchors our village to the land and affords a connection to those villagers who have gone before. We revel in its beauty and bask in its glory.

We welcome you to join in its magic. Watch as the world takes on a pink glow in the dappled sunlight. Life in our village slows with the blossoms; it is a time to remember and to love.