Dialog

If I listen with an ear to the sky
the weeping cherry's sob is clear.

I ask, "why are you so sad.

Is it because the magnolia is
in danger of extinction;

the dogwood's tales
of Jesus' crucifixion on its limbs?

Perhaps you feel the Japanese maple
is more graceful?"

"No," she whispers as her petals
fall, gently brushing her branches.

"I am sad because these blooms
shower thoughts of my mortality."