Petals

Only the buds have opened slightly
On the trees that grow nearby
As out of envy the wind and the rain
They strive to destroy beauty.
Let the spring colors not fade
I beg the creator for that.
How is it possible, sparing only the greens,
To shower white color without end!

(Zhu Shuzhen, late 11th century, early 11th century, from Chinese poetry.)