Island of Dreams
Laughing Buddha
HEAR IT
Laughing Buddha in the sand,
Spade and bucket in your hand,
Newly-minted, wonder-eyed,
Architect of time and tide;
Mischief written on your brow,
Master of the here-and-now,
Free of past and future's taint,
Life the canvas, joy the paint;
Sorcerer of sea and sky,
Innocent of where or why,
Perfect in your symmetry -
Wanting nothing but to be.
Offspring of a dream deferred,
Fill your bucket; speak no word!
Hoard your secrets; stop your ears!
Alphabets spell only tears.
You who sit in Eden’s shade,
Teasing angels with your spade,
Empty-headed, eyes of blue -
We were once as wise as you.
Infant Buddha, sifting sand,
All creation in your hand,
Where does infant wisdom fly?
Heaven only knows - not I.
January, 2003
