Monday, July 6, 2009

Childhood.

xxxxxxxSculpture: LauraJane Zimmer-Reed
x
x
CHILD'S PLAY
X
Eleven years old
and the light in his eyes
dims to black points.
The roundness of his chin
takes on a shimmer
that looks like whiskers.
x
Little ancient boy will never smile,
he's slipped out
the back door of childhood.
x
A Buddhist teacher
at his side whispers,
" You have 84,000 different emotions,
and the three poisons.
Just thoughts.
Don't be distracted."
x
The boy shrugs,
no stranger
to the study of virtue.
x
Break free. Be empty. Go away. Come back.
x
But first
he wants
to run outside
and play in the snow.
x
Simply a thought.
x
x


from: TWO GHOSTS/ poems



BORN ON THE 4TH OF JULY! LUCKY MILO, my Yankee Doodle Dandy, celebrates his 5th HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!



19 comments:

Tess Kincaid said...

I watched the film Kundun recently and this poem brings to mind the young Dalai Lama.

Happy Birthday, Milo!!!!

Unknown said...

Hi Lyn,

Do we really have 84,000 emotions?! I can understand wanting to play in the snow!

Thanks for your comment on my poem. Strange what goes through the minds of others when reading anothers work. Mrs Rochester has murderous intent, whereas my subject is her own victim!

Lyn said...

Kundun is one of my favorite films. The path of study is very intense, whether Dalai Lama, or a simple boy...
Milo says..Thank you!

Lyn said...

Hi Derrick-
I will have to take a book on Buddhist studies as the truth. 4 or 5 emotions are enough for me.
Your poem does make one probe..it would be interesting to just sit around and discuss this!!

Lyn said...

Hi Willow-
Forgot to address you by name..duh!
Too early...Thanks...

Unknown said...

Kundun also one of my favorites. Happy birthday Milo, and may you have more than 8 more.

Lyn said...

Hi Gaston-
Thank you..I do want Milo to stay around!
Time to watch Kundun again..it's good to have a calling!

Deedee said...

Great, Lyn! I want to catch snowflakes with the little sage. Expresses the longing we all feel when committed to important work while playful thought sprites tug at our sleeve.
I do believe that thought can sometimes be such a curse and a distraction, though.

Lyn said...

Hi Deedee-
"Thought sprites"..I really like that one..been plagued by those forever..
yes, this lad has a difficult time ahead, but he may be the Dalai Lama!

Jeane Myers said...

'the backdoor of childhood' - very provocative idea - you and Derrick in deep thoughts today, or was it yesterday now - and Milo, on the 4th of July - happy birthday Milo :))))

Lyn said...

Hi Jeane-
Thanks..It appears that the training for young Buddhist monks is quite strict..detachment starts early!
Synchronicity of moods? I'll be funny soon!!
Milo sends a big Meow!!

Marty said...

Lyn, I love your blog and I am passing on an Award to you over at my blog page. Stop by when you get a chance.

Lyn said...

Hi Marty-
What a great surprise! Can't wait to check it out..thank you so much!!

A Cuban In London said...

Hapy Birthday, Milo!

Greetings from London.

Lyn said...

Greetings to A Cuban-
Milo appreciates your kindness! Thank you!!

Anonymous said...

Yes, I am thinking these words ring very true and I am liking such; you.

Lyn said...

Hi SarahA-
Thank you... I tried to portray what the boy is feeling!

Linda S. Socha said...

Lyn
I love the way your blog is developing. Beautiful and engaging. Love it. Thank you for the Japanese Proverb
Linda

Lyn said...

Hi Linda-
Thank you so much! It's interesting for me also..to see what's important, find out where I'm going..you never know!

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