Zen and the Memory of Quiet

Quan Shih Yin is jade

pink she is carved smooth planes

and the curve of passing smile. She is

cool in the palm of my hand. Her eyes reveal

 

nothing. She has no attachment. She is

warm when she rests in the valley

against my skin. She has no attachment

to time or space, just a quiet stone,

and empty face with no echo

of shell songs, of gardens fragrant

with lemon trees, the hidden willow

bench and a porcelain bowl

of ginger root, a sharp surprise behind

the mask of detachment. Her tang

 

reposes in guquin notes, the quiet

resonance of silk plucked

from my imagination.

Reviews

[vanishing]

Your words are beautiful
Reminds me of "Pablo Naruda
I enjoyed the flow
and free form...
everything about this writing
draws the heart to contemplation
loved the metaphor
thanks for sharing

[Tara]

Aahhh...I see my friend Inner Journey has been here as well. I, too, loved the unusual creativity here and the peaceful images you evoke. I notice you use enjambment a lot and it is effective here. I also like you line breaks, something I am still working on.

[Inner Journey]

this is ever so lovely. The title itself drew me in - but my fascination didn't stop there. I love the feel of nature in this, the tranquility of the piece, the sense of being in a garden.....

I think this is a very creative and unique piece, and I'm so glad I stumbled upon it.