Learning from Sakura

 Sakura (cherry blossoms) would be the epitome of transient beauty in this world.
Many Japanese have emotional attachment to them aesthetically and philosophically,

 their delicate and elegant beauty and their endearing expression of life, death and rebirth.

Young blossoms cling onto the branches even in storms;

one week later, blossoms softly drift from the boughs even when
there's hardly any breeze.

They bloom elegant and strong, offering hope and euphoric sight,

knowing their fate is so soon.

We could be exhausted or stressed amid the long fight against SARS-CoV-2.

The viruses damage not only body but also heart.
We can live like Sakura, sharing hope, love, kindness and courage
in stead of excessive fear, doubt, criticism or blame
until the storm of the viruses is ceased someday.

My town, a small, nice and quiet residential area, has three parks 

and a big ground for multiple uses.

All of them are included in the course of my daily walk.

From one of the parks located on the edge of the hilltop, 
you can have a nice view of the neighboring towns and the surrounding mountains.

Looking up, I found a moon, four days before the biggest supermom of this year.

 I love enchanting moon-lit Sakura, and the glowing Sakura with the late afternoon light, too.

April 4th

The moon reminded me of the tanka poem by Saigyo, a 12^th-century poet.

願わくは　花の下にて　春死なむ　その如月の　望月のころ

"Would that I could die

Under the cherry blossoms

In spring in the second month,

At the time of the full moon"

He passed away in the second month of the lunar calendar as he desired.

Saigyo also wrote;

花見にと 群れつつ人の 来るのみぞ あたら桜の とがにはありける

"The cherries’ only fault: the crowds that gather when they bloom"

Japan's current second wave of COVID-19 outbreak has "partly" something to do with
"the crowds that gather" for "hanami", or Sakura viewing.

In Tokyo, Sakura blossoms started blooming about a week earlier than other places. 

During the holiday weekend in late March, the arrival of warm air 
and the blooming Sakura seem to have loosened people's code of conduct
 to stem the spread of the viruses.

One week later, the consequence started emerging.
The past gradual increase of infections changed to sudden bursting 
at an exponential speed.
State of Emergency for COVID-19 was declared with stricter and 
more specific restriction for Tokyo and six other prefectures 7th of April,
and then for nationwide about one week later (too late).

The nearest park to my house, April 6th

The lesson from the incident is that we have to be on guard against the viruses 
"patiently and persistently".
Social distancing and staying home is the only way we can do
while thanking and cheering for the health care workers and other professionals.

Reflections are always eye-catching to me.

Sakura season coincides with the Japanese calendar year,

the time of farewell, and new start, too.

The entrance ceremony of the elementary school of the boy Y

was held in the playground under the blue skies on the 8th of April.

When Sakura is in full bloom, future looks bursting with possibilities.

Y hasn't known yet what a school life is like due to the prolonged school closure.

Water-color effect to the iPhone Photos by my daughter

It was raining and cold 12th of April.

I saw petals fluttering in the wind to fall on the ground and sprouted leaves 

which is the sign of transition from spring to early summer.

Till their last moment, Sakura blossoms are ethereally beautiful and touch my heart.

Sayonara, Sakura, until next year!

This is my second Sakura post this season
next to Off-limits except spring along the Saho River.

Linked to Mosaic Monday