we lay side by side under the great cherry tree, looking up to the yearning sky above our head. sunlight pokes through the crimson umbrella, slants off the wet ground, highlights your rouge cheeks.

i trail my fingertips across on your translucent skin, up and down along your arm and neck, feeling your ethereal existence with my numb senses.

i want to say you're beautiful in your summer dress. i want to say i love the way long dark hair fall down along your back, fans around your pretty face like an angel's halo. I want to say red lipstick looks good on you, bold eyeliner enhances your deep brown eyes.

but i don't.

i just can't.

"do you love him?" i ask, finally break the silence.

"it doesn't matter," you said. your lashes quiver as you exam our intertwined hands. the golden ring encircles your ring finger burns against my palm. "he's wealthy."

"you're only eighteen," i said softly. "what will you do with the rest of your life?"

"it doesn't matter, he has enough money to last for eternity."

"so you'd married me if i'm rich?" i taste bitterness on my tongue. for all i know, a pauper like me will never ever be rich. i can't even afford food on daily basis, how can i keep you full and happy?

you put a finger on my lips. gently, but firmly.

for a fleeting second, i see an odd glitter in your eyes, but you blink it away with a sad smile. you pull closer to me, put your ear on my chest. you smells like blooming cherry blossoms and lingering winter sadness.

for so long, we don't talk. we lay side by side under our cherry tree and let the wind voices our silent words to the oblivion.

...

million of petals

silvery and warm

falling, falling

strew on the grass.

oh, it's

tears

of the cherry tree.