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.”
Bastet and Sekhmet's Library 