Cherry Tree

Cold bitter and biting, the whipping of wind.

Cinders of cold drove your warmth further in.

Winter kept beating. How cruel it can be.

Relentlessly hard on a young cherry tree.

Perpetual snow storms so harsh and so long

Your courage was born and your spirit made strong.

Your life underground, your heart there to hide

To protect from the cold, buried deep down inside.

But the singing of Spring brings to Winter it’s end,

A season once bitter replaced by a friend.

Tentative buds then began to appear,

Though cautiously slow from a heart gripped with fear.

But then when you saw that your buds were all out,

The love in your friendship soon swallowed all doubt.

You broke forth and blossomed, your joy filled the air,

This newness of life, truly answer to prayer.

Now all who come near see your beauty, dear tree

Your blossoms are blessings now open and free.

Once hidden away, but you now bless the world

The plans of your Maker at last are unfurled.

He has more in store, because flowers bear fruits

As love flows on up from deep in your roots.

Don’t strive and don’t worry. All is in hand.

God makes your goodness and all is well planned.

Seasons will come and seasons will go

But now you stand strong in sun OR in snow.

For you know now no harshness the Winter can bring

Can prevent the sweet blossoms and friendship of Spring.

by Alaric Goldkuhl