Year
I went to the monastery
Buried deep in lush green trees.
A rustling sound
I had come to ask a question of Buddha
But he did not answer me this day;
I saw a deer
The sky turned black
And crackled pounding rain.
It fled. I could not find it again.
All around, the air was gray
and mixed with thunder; I could not see.
A bell tolled
Cars stopped everywhere.
The sky contained the face of Buddha.
Tears had fallen
I started to drive again
As mist rose from nearby mountains.
Now there is nothing
The road ahead washed white
To reflect the midday light.
Note: Written after a visit to the Chuang Yen Monastery in Carmel, NY today.
Note: Written after a visit to the Chuang Yen Monastery in Carmel, NY today.