Today's Beautiful Gem: `Blossom Time' from the "Manyoshiu",
author unknown, translated by Clara Walsh.

"Not yet is past the cherry's blossom-time;
        Yet should the petals fall,
NOW, while their beauty's moon is at the full,
And all the love of those who gaze on them
        Is at its zenith---"

Note: Spring in the nation's capital (Washington, DC) is not complete
without the cherry-blossoms, a gift of Japan. You must walk on
the tidal basin and fill your sights with row upon row of beautiful
blossoms waving in the breeze. With children around, one wonders
whether the children have become flowers or vice versa. Manyoshiu
(myriad leaves collection) is an ancient Japanese work.

Om s'aantih: Peace! - J. K. Mohana Rao

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