This week on the Influence: BIRTHDAY!
My girlfriend’s, Ani, in particular.
She is from the Pacific Northwest and is accustomed to cloudy, gray birthdays – a lovely scene at times made lovelier by the blooming of the local cherry blossoms.
This year she’s a bit bummed because they have yet to blossom – so I’m bringing them to her.
I am dedicating this post to her and posting a poem I wrote for her back in 2011 which features the aforementioned tardy blossoms.
With these words, may there always be flowers somewhere near you, my dear.

For her birthday 030811
you have never needed me
you yourself
point out the cherry blossoms
that return in time
trembling pink and white
when you smile
days before
days after
***
Happy aftering!
Jose
* photo found here.
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