L is for leaves and blossoms that come early

 

Today, I went to see the cherry blossoms at the Japanese Gardens behind the Buffalo History Museum. These gardens were built in 1974, as a sign of friendship between Buffalo and its sister city, Kanazawa, Japan. 

This year, the cherry blossoms have appeared early. Normally, in Buffalo, cherry trees bloom in late April to early May. But here they are.

The timing was completely unexpected. In fact, the cherry blossom festival (which did not occur last year, due to the pandemic) is scheduled to be held from April 26th until May 1st. It is unlikely that any cherry blossoms will be left by then. 

There have been years when the cherry blossom festival was held before any blossoms appeared. Some things are impossible to predict.

Who could have predicted that leaves would appear on the trees in April? Normally, that happens in May. Not this year. Spring is early, as if to make up for lost time. Last year, at this time, it was still cold, snowy, and wintry. And the world appeared and felt dreary.

But this year, spring is bright and early. It feels like a sign of hope. At least, I would like to believe that.