nama rupa

I turn instead to the Buddha

bowing student feet bare crown of head offered

soles dirty caked in mud and hair of dog

corpse of fly in whorl of calloused skin

souls of the dead swirl about me

I am Christ I am Buddha

I am light of Death

I am stooped Father Time

hair matted salty & coarse

back of neck red & raw in violent sun

palms raised

skin cracked

knees sore from rugged floor

skin numb already

I am Buddha I am Christ

I am drunk with peace

I am bowing I am eternal

I turn instead to the Buddha

I turn to the Buddha

I turn.