I have been wondering about you— Wondering why your fluffy blossoms Refused to come until the other trees Had powdered the young grass With snowy fragrance. Tonight, when the sun Hung its bright banners In the western sky, I knew your secret. You are not like the other trees, You are slender and exquisite Like a carved ivory fan Held together with brown sandal-wood No tiniest hint of green shows Anywhere about you As you stand there silhouetted against The sturdy maple tree That towers above you. You are a fragile lovely princess In a gay court of fruit trees Yesterday your waxy petals Were tipped with bits of rose; Today, you are a great fan Of finely cut ivory, A flower-fan, far-spread Held together by a slender frame Of brown sandal-wood! |