Cherry Blossom in Winter

On the last day of the year

A day we comb through regrets and fashion resolutions.

Turning into an old Edinburgh carpark 

there it shone, Cherry blossom 

its pink petals lighting up the dismal winter facades.

Out of place, out of time and yet

So welcoming, reassuring.

On a day of finalities, of endings 

When pain finds less shelter from failed achievements, 

from reconciliations and reunions that didn’t work.

Time has removed another year 

and the fig tree remained barren

despite the warning

sterile trees will be cut

their branches like family bonds now dry 

ready for a hogmanay bonfire.

Cherry blossom in winter

Coconut swings from this fruit tree 

the birds of the air delight.

The blossom smells invigorating. 

This tree has well watered roots.

Blossoming for rejected hearts feeling far from Spring

But who will trust in God’s pruning.