Plum Blossom – Haiku – January 30, 2016

“Blossoming plum” by the painter Wang Mian (王冕)

old plum-tree
flowering in the northern wind
snowflakes fall

the blackbird sings
among the blooming plum trees
cold winds blow

© G.s.k. ‘16

Carpe Diem #906 Ume-no-hana (ume flower)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:

“Prunus mume is an Asian tree species classified in the Armeniaca section of the genus Prunus subgenus Prunus. Itscommon names include Chinese plum^[2][3][4] and Japanese apricot.^[2] The flower is usually called plum blossom.^[5] This distinct tree species is related to both the plum and apricot trees.^[6] Although generally referred to as a plum in English, it is more closely related to the apricot.^[7] The fruit of the tree is used in Chinese, Japanese and Korean cooking in juices, as a flavouring for alcohol, as a pickle and in sauces. It is also used in traditional medicine.

The tree’s flowering in late winter and early spring is highly regarded as a seasonal symbol.”