Once again, I found myself back at the Japanese cherry blossom trees without my ‘big’ camera;

Once again I did the best I could with my mobile phone.

I gasped as I looked down the south alley:

Most of the sakura blossoms had already fallen

Creating a magical world of petals and light.

In Japan, people contemplate the fallen petals

As a reminder of how fleeting life is.

The trees on the north side

Were bursting out in pink pops of joy.

Everyone – no matter religion or nationality –

Was united in pure enjoyment of the blossoms.

(Look at the big grin on the face of the woman to the right of the monks.)

Just as I was leaving, the sun burst through the clouds

Reminding me that there is beauty in those brief moments we call life.

For more fleeting moments, please visit: Our World.