Ornamental Cherry Tree by Stephen W. Leslie

When we bought the house your blossoms had just come out Bold and white Filling the picture window with brightness and light For fourteen years we sat together I on my meditation seat You rooted deeply in the soil Summer your dark green leaves sheltered me from the hot southern sun Fall you blanketed the grass with color Red and yellow Winter you stood bare unadorned Surrounded by a carpet of icy whiteness But it was spring and your blossoms that lifted my heart It was in spring that God visited me for the first time as we sat together It was spring when I discovered what my heart was capable of A shower of white petals celebrated my victory over fear My reward for over two decades of effort A year later alone in a little apartment You blossomed unnoticed Your rain of white petals imitating snow, unseen When I came back my sacred room was empty Except for you, waiting by my window We sat together one last time Head bowed Cheeks wet

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