The Cherry Blossoms Will Bloom Again

The power of nature has ravaged the Japanese shore,
Leaving in its wake devastation and unimaginable gore.
The mettle of this gentle people has been tested, it is true,
But next spring, they know that cherry blossoms will bloom anew!

Alas, whole villages along that rugged coast were torn asunder,
As the raging tsunami raced inland gobbling up its plunder.
When all hope was lost and they thought they'd surely meet their doom,
They were cheered knowing that cherry blossoms once again would bloom!

This stalwart people who'd suffered the ravages of falling shell and bomb
Dropped from silver birds, faced another holocaust with great aplomb.
With little but hope they vowed to rebuild their lives ever keeping in view,
The cherry blossoms that would bloom come next spring with dainty hue!

Alas, the 'quake leveled schools, ancient temples and magnificent torii,
But this patient people will restore them once again to their former glory!
They will persevere again and again as surely as the rising sun at dawn,
To enjoy another season of delicate cherry blossoms 'til their scent is gone!

The brotherhood of nations rallied as one to provide succor with speed.
It was neighbor helping neighbor in keeping with the Master's creed!
Even though the nation was rocked with misery, shock and searing pain,
Out of the depths of disaster the cherry blossoms will bloom once again!

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
© All Rights Reserved

Placed No. 8 in Deb Guzzi's "Tribute To Japan" Contest - May 2011
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

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Wesley Avatar
June 22, 2011 at 8:17 PM
A beautiful tribute to a terrible disaster.
Taylor Avatar
May 25, 2011 at 7:54 PM
Congrats, Sarge. Excellent write. Nice going. Ralphie.
Phookan Avatar
May 22, 2011 at 8:29 PM
This is the most beautiful tribute...including everything and how they stood with courage what I loved most is how you incorporated the " cherry blossoms"...and differently as a refrain in every stanza.Congrats Robert for this finest of compositions..I am so happy to begin my day reading this poem...
Mehta Avatar
May 21, 2011 at 12:33 AM
Many Congrats Robert on big coveted win in Debbie's contest. Luv & best wishes - Hitendra Mehta
Dietrich Avatar
May 20, 2011 at 10:16 PM
Great rhyming of an historical event, as only you can do, Robert. Congratulations on your win.
Zzzzz Avatar
May 20, 2011 at 9:28 AM
Very nicely penned. The Japanese are a very resilient people, and they will surely overcome these terrible setbacks. Congratulations on your contest placing!
Osita Avatar
May 20, 2011 at 9:15 AM
Many congrats on your deserved win!
Song Avatar
May 20, 2011 at 9:04 AM
Dear Robt., While reading YOUR poetry to lil Sunny, he up and croaked!!! ha ha ha. I feel so honored that you value my opinion on your work. It is unique and with the angle of one who served our fine country...neat to hear that your Japan Tribute had your residential touch since u lived there for a while! Cherry blossoms are "in" -that's what my teens say! Gwendolen
Buckeridge Avatar
May 20, 2011 at 3:36 AM
Congrats to you on your win x
A   Avatar
May 19, 2011 at 9:34 PM
Good luck Bob, i think you pinned this one rather well.. very outstanding.. and touching... the flow and will power are awesome,,, good luck in the contest,..pd.
Mannan Avatar
May 19, 2011 at 8:50 PM
This is indeed a beauty Bob. Many congrats.
Song Avatar
May 19, 2011 at 7:14 PM
Hi Robert, The mighty cherry blossoms are a true symbol of national strength in this gorgeous write despite their dainty hues.... The silver birds that dropped shell and bomb are also great images of creativity...neighbors helping neighbors keeping with the Master's creed. Such a great entry for this contest. Much enjoyed as I even read this out loud..(Sunny, my pup, thinks I've gone a lil crazy!) ha ha Gwendolen
Sweetheart Avatar
May 19, 2011 at 2:05 PM
Bob your cherry blossoms in this piece and your creativity shall ever bloom as u are truly a master of poetry especially rhyme ..my fav.. appreciate your sweet words for my Royal and Ezzelle dedication poem.. they are ecstatic..
Long Avatar
May 19, 2011 at 12:41 PM
congrats on your finely penned win. cory
Brown Avatar
May 19, 2011 at 12:37 PM
Congratulations on your well deserved win in Debbie Guzzi's contest Bob. Love, Carol
Foulk Avatar
May 19, 2011 at 11:12 AM
yes congrats bob, nice going, this was a great piece you wrote. love those Cherry Blossom Trees i have seen pictures of them over there and they will bloom again. thank you for reading and commenting on Grinnell Remembered.
K. Avatar
May 19, 2011 at 10:06 AM
Congrats Bob :) I really like how your repeating line here-- I can just picture those cherry blossom trees giving so much hope to the Japanese :) Way to go for your win :)
Mehta Avatar
May 19, 2011 at 6:01 AM
Congratulations on the win in the contest of debbie, Bob
Sweetheart Avatar
May 19, 2011 at 5:27 AM
Congrats Bob on your great win in the Japan contest.. excellent as always luv..enjoy..
Delacroix Avatar
May 18, 2011 at 11:05 PM
This is a great and hopeful write, Robert! Yes, tragedies are hard to bear, but the tenacity of humanity is strongly brought to the surface from such events and the cherry blossoms will sure grow again in Japan. Thanks for sharing. Best wishes, Caroline.
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