Hanami

By Hailey Jiang

When I bloom it is nothing short of a miracle.
You admire my blooming branches Picnic
under the graceful flowers 
Capture the fleeting moment. 

Yet, it is no coincidence 
That I am your “weeping cherry”. 
You never cared for who I am, 
Only for what I can be, 
For you’d rather 
Dumplings than flowers. 

Who am I if not 
Beauty and life 
Death and impermanence 
our pride, your obsession, 
Your weeping cherry 
The one you love dearest 
The one you fear the most, 

For my death comes quick. 

You awe over my life 
And neglect to mention my death, 
You admire my beauty 
Only from afar, 
You raise me up 
Just to let me come crashing down.
I am everything to you 
Until I rot, until I am nothing 
But a curse on your children.

I am beautiful to you
For only a week
Before I am an omen
Of a life not lived.


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