Blink
and you might miss
the pretty flowers
that decorate this tree each spring.
It looks like a bright pink puff
of cotton candy in our yard,
but the petals are so light and delicate
that the slightest wind
can carry them away.
The first year we lived here,
we were delighted
when the tree suddenly blossomed,
but disappointed
when the flowers disappeared
just as quickly;
we hadn’t fully appreciated
the blooming branches
because we thought we’d have
plenty of time to do so.
Just like Joni Mitchell sang,
“Don’t it always seem to go
that you don’t know
what you’ve got
till it’s gone?”
If you see beauty today,
don’t wait till tomorrow
to say thanks.
