sakura

Cherry blossoms in full bloom covered the castle walls by the sea. A pink so pale, almost white, covered the ancient branches. Near the water's edge friends gathered, celebrating new life older than spring. Admiring the radiant faces of two women dressed in yukata speaking words of being found by Love, faces radiant and wet with tears, the flowers paled in comparison. Wanting to follow the Man who walked in compassion and on the water, each woman waded into the waves, and received the washing. Dying to the old ways of winter, and rising in newness of life, they chose spring. Salt water may only clean the skin, but forgiveness cleans the soul. baptism trees white with blossoms winter to spring, new life blooms sea and tears washing.