The Cherry trees

In heavy rain
beneath dripping branches
we dispersed you,
watched you watered down
swirling into eddies,
sinking into the ground.

You'd burst bright into life
all pink and white,
our summer still waiting
for your first smile.

I'd like to think it was sunlight
through the white blossom,
that found the corner of your mouth
and snatched away your breath,
but they never really told us.

In the quiet of our home
lemon walls were waiting,
the farm yard mobile above your cot
clicked on,
a single chime that made me
close the door.

Today, I pour myself some tea
and look to the garden,
the trees, now fully grown,
have quietly laid down
their blankets,
giving up each short life
to help keep you warm,

as they do every year.