Think of spring and we think of daffodils, tulips- and blossom. There is something about blossom which brings joy to us all. The delicate colours, the fragility, and the way it explodes on what were until recently bare branches.

Our old cherry tree is now a mass of blossom – a particular delight as the tree looked dead and we weren’t expecting any blossom at all this year.  I find myself lingering at the kitchen sink rather longer than usual to enjoy it while it lasts.

The Japanese see cherry blossom as a symbol for the ephemeral nature of life. May our lives, however long, all have moments as full and beautiful as the cherry blossom.