sayonara sakura

This is a poem to participate in the 'World Within Words' contest, organised by Challenge Book | Multicultural Community. All participants must align with this prompt: While travelling to a different country, you meet someone who changes your perspective on life.

The poem portrays the bond between a Western visitor, Max, and a affable gardener, Haruto, who maintains his flowers in one of Japan's Sakura gardens. Max travels to the Japanese city to attend the Cherry Blossom Festival and fortuitously meets Haruto. The skilled gardener assists Max in comprehending the significance of his work, acknowledging the importance of each moment. Such lessons induce a profound transformation in Max's life.
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Sakura (桜 or さくら) is the Japanese term for cherry blossom. These blooms represent the arrival of spring, renewal and the fleetingness of life.