Cherry blossom petals

From Hull and Hiroshima

A symbol fraught with history

In war you became flowers of mass destruction

Appropriated as nationalistic military propaganda

Sending young soldiers to their deaths

Glorified then, once spent, fell to the ground

Now you are a fleeting moment in time

A symbol of hope, renewal

A brief moment

During which I must speak out

Because women and girls are biologically more susceptible to the consequences of nuclear weapons’ use and nuclear weapons testing

Because women and girls suffer harmful effects of ionising radiation and negative consequences including psychological health, displacement, social stigma and discrimination

Because we must be left with something to breathe