Tuesday 12 April 2011

Sakura at Dawn

from Seismic_2000 at flickriver
I have missed the flowering
of the cherry tree,
falling petals
rain down on me;

a carpet of white
and mossy green.

I am soaring high
to the furthest trees
with the kissing bees
and the singing birds


watercolour by Tracy Cupitt
and swooping down
with the lowering sky
to brush the earth
with clouds of skirt.



- Shaista Tayabali, 2011

I dedicate this poem to my friend, and Dad's reader, Dr Dawn Owen, who is fighting the good fight in Addenbrooke's as I write. April is opaque outside her window, as 'they' are building extensions; a kaleidoscope of cranes and gravel and tunnels greet her eyes. Not a cherry petal in sight. Biopsy over, fever still, morphine for the pain... "I feel just like a lizard today," she said. "Keep opening and closing my eyes."

16 comments:

Ruth said...

Petal-tears in my eyes. For Dr. Owen, from your words, and from you.

And that generous and kind link on your sidebar. Thank you so much.

One in the hood of poetry, one in the clasp of hands. One under the clouds of skirt!

Loree said...

I hesitate to comment sometimes because it seems as if every time I can only say: what beautiful words. But it is true and my comment is sincere.

steven said...

shaista this exquisite extension of your compassion and insight gives testament to the power of your friendship. steven

Sherry Blue Sky said...

Lovely words, Shaista. They make up for Dr Dawn's lack of blossoms. I love her courage and wry humor, feeling "like a lizard, I keep opening and closing my eyes." May she heal fully, and swiftly. Keep writing your beautiful poems, Shaista. They truly bless this old world, so in need of blessings.

Brian Miller said...

there is such serenity in your words and an intimate touch of nature...love that...daph

ayala said...

beautiful words...

Jannie Funster said...

Sounds that you miss those, as I miss the lilacs in Canada.

And lovely dedication too. You sound like a very very nice person.

Anonymous said...

Nice imagery. I hope your friend is doing well!

http://lynnaima.wordpress.com/

Cloudia said...

thank you for the breath of wisdom and humanity




Warm Aloha from Waikiki


Comfort Spiral

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Tess Kincaid said...

What a lovely gift for your friend. Sending love and peace. xx

Claudia said...

beautiful flowing words and what fantastic pics to got with them - let the cherries blossom..

* said...

Oh, may Dr. Dawn feel better!

"I am soaring high
to the furthest trees"
with her, with you, hoping for a speedy recovery!

ds said...

So beautiful. My sincere hope that Dr. Dawn is doing better...

Vinay Leo R. said...

serenity and intimacy; to fly with the leaves and set with the sun, a spring take! very nice!

My One Shot Wednesday

Isabel Doyle said...

lovely blossom
as well as fellow exiles, I'm afraid we have something else, unseen, in common

Laurie Kolp said...

You have such a beautiful blog, Shaista! This piece is lovely... I especially like the first stanza.

~laurie

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