Dust in the Wind
The cherry blossoms bring in the tourists. Every March, eager visitors with heavy footprints and sparkling eyes join the swarms of bees around the sakura blossoms. They laugh under the shade of the flowers. They tread on winter’s forgotten remains. They take pictures and pictures, trying desperately to immortalize the moment. Then they fly away. They miss the magic, the sakura dancing through the air.
But we’re still here, watching as the petals float off of their branches. And we have a saying:
Mijikai kara, utsukushii.
Because it is fleeting, it is breathtaking.
And as the seasons change, petals are replaced by quivering snowflakes that melt on our tongues. Fresh swarms of bees chase us back inside, so we run home. And we stay there, watching as shivering flower buds form from the snow.
The sun has already risen when we step outside. We watch the last of the bees disappear into the air, leaving behind flushed flowers, peonies that bloomed in the dead of night.
And through the snow they stand, quiet and solemn, ushering in the new year. And as the frost on their petals begins to drip down their stems, they brace themselves for what is to come. But before the next wave of tourists tramples them into the dirt, we watch the peonies sparkle in the sunlight.
And we have a saying, but we never say it—
Our breaths have already been taken.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleA celebration of the change of seasons and the mistaken intentions of people who are desperate to hold the moment. Very fine descriptive language here, especially the image-play of bees and snow.
This is a very beautiful story, Kira. What was your inspiration, if I may ask? The blooming of the sakura is such a special time of year in many parts of the world. I have read your story twice and will definitely come back and read it again, especially when I need reminding of what is truly breathtaking. Welcome to Voice Club, by the way. You’ve come to a great place!
I’m glad you enjoyed it! My Japanese teacher introduced me to Basho, and I was intrigued by his emphasis on experiences over all else. I think that we have the instinct to hold on to moments (like the sakura blossoming), but in doing so, we miss the point. The beauty is in its transience. Mijikai kara, utsukushii is a phrase that I heard in a documentary about the first sakura season after… Read more »
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleWelcome to Voice.club. This is a beautifully descriptive piece of writing Kira, thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I was surprised to see that you are still at high school. We have had some very talented high school students recently, it’s lovely having some younger writers joining us. You have a very mature voice for your age.
Hello, Kira. What a beautiful first story. All the descriptions and emotions are beautifully made and expressed, which makes it more loveable. I can’t get rid of my addiction to re-read it again and again. You are a very talented young writer, Kira. Nice job. Welcome to Voice club.
Lovely descriptive writing, Kira. Welcome to Voice.Club. I particularly liked how you wove Japanese quotations into your writing.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleWhat a beautiful story! I love the recurring themes and the sense of cycling seasons. It made me think about the friction of missing the moment in front of us by trying to capture the moment to share with others.
Beautifully written, Kira. I loved the sayings, especially ‘because it is fleeting, it is breathtaking’. How very true that is. Welcome to Voice-Club, I hope to read more from you.
And, I think you’ve taken our breath away with this magical story, Kira. So many wonderful phrases and descriptions. Well done and welcome ?
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleCongratulations Kira, a double whammy with your second place public vote and runner up in the judges choice.
Congratulations Kira, I found your story captivating and one I will read often.
Hello, Kira. Congratulations on your double win, both public vote and the judges. You made it. I am so happy for you.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleCongratulations to your success, Kira. Your story is both beautiful and has an important message that few people of today realize.