Once, on the impulse of the morning, the Geisha Maiko and I strolled to the forest to see the cherry blossom in bloom. Our lovemaking had left our limbs aching. The close air of the inn constricted our lungs. We needed air.

Petals, shaken free by the breeze, rained upon us. We were moved to pen haiku.

“Beneath the blossom
Finite as youth and beauty
Your eyes stir desire.”

I respond.

“Peach juice sates my thirst
I will thirst tonight again
My tongue waits to feast.”

Hot sake swallowed.
We relax and let love flow
Petals brief as come.