Chidorigafuchi

Chidorigafuchi is one of the popular spots for cherry blossoms (sakura) viewing. It is just a couple of stations away from our office. Seven springs had already passed since joining our company but I never had the chance to do a hanami there. Maybe because I try to avoid the crowd.

Petals 

I summon the wind --

to let the petals fly
with the pigeons and crows;

let them caress the clouds
and be the rain

then, let them swim 

on hundreds seas and lakes
with stingrays and clown fishes

build a floating bridge 

where fantasy
and reality reconcile. 

The wind summons me

in return

there's a thirsty bonsai
tree in yellow
and violet pebbles

the petals of spring 

are still in transit. 

/totomai
For Poetry Pantry 246

Last Saturday, our photography group decided to have a Sakura photo walk around Tokyo. Chidorigafuchi was our last stop. And as expected, a large crowd welcomed us and everybody was walking in baby steps. As we all wanted to be witnesses to spring’s last hurrah, no one really cared about the freezing temperature.

How soon do the sakura bid its farewell? Too soon, I think. Just last week, they started to bloom and by the weekend they are already breaking free from their branches. It’s quite magical to see them fall though. The petals dancing in the breeze and resting on the river afterwards. In an instant, the collective petals turn the emerald waters to pink.

Now I know why Chidorigafuchi is very popular in Tokyo during spring. It has a cinematic feel that could transport one to another dimension in a very limited time. In just one scene, you can see the flowers talking to each other, lovers promising forever, and a river humming a lullaby. You can’t help but record that scene - with or without selfie sticks. Haha!

We waited for the light up in order for us to practice long exposure shots. I must admit that I always struggle with it for years and have given up long time ago especially when most of the results are not what I expected them to be. But still it’s fun.  One day, I hope to see myself carrying a tripod.

That’s all folks! The Sakura show is over around Tokyo and is heading to the North of Japan for their next performance. I may be able to see it. Got my tickets already.

Happy Easter everyone! 

/totomai 

2015/04/05 

Photos taken with Nikon D7000  lenses used :

      Nikkor 18-300mm 3.5f      

      Tamron 11-16 2.8f      

      Nikkor 10.5 2.8f