Plum Blossoms I | Icebox
Plum Blossoms I
The following is the first part of a recent haibun by Nobuyuki Yuasa (Sosui).
The fragrance of plums —
Suddenly the sun comes up
On the mountain path. Basho
Plum blossoms are beautiful, especially in the morning when their colours are highlighted; yet plums appeal not only to the eye but also to the nose. In fact, the scent of their blossoms is their greatest charm. When their aroma is carried on a gentle spring breeze, I am captivated by its nobility and find nothing else capable of rivalling it. In the garden I can see from my windows, white plums are just now coming out — one or two already fully out, but the rest still pinkish-white balls, some swollen and others small. It is plum blossoms at this stage that I love best, for they give us hope and trust in the future. A week from now, they will be in full bloom. Then I can enjoy their fragrance. On warm days, I shall open my windows wide to enjoy it, far superior to any artificial perfume.
I know there are plums
In the recess of darkness —
Deeply scented winds. Sosui
Source: Plum Blossoms I | Icebox
