Classic Poem

Underneath the cherry trees
The Grandmother in her lilac printed gown
Carried Little Brother in her arms.
A wind, no older than Little Brother
Shook the branches of the cherry trees
So that the blossom snowed on her hair
And on her faded lilac gown.
I said: ‘May I see?’
She bent down and lifted a corner of his shawl.
He was fast asleep.
But his mouth moved as if he were kissing.
‘Beautiful,’ said Grandmother, nodding and smiling.
But my lips quivered.
And looking at her kind face
I wanted to be in the place of Little Brother
To put my arms round her neck
And kiss the two tears that shone in her eyes.