To begin ...

As the twentieth century fades out
the nineteenth begins
.......................................again
it is as if nothing happened
though those who lived it thought
that everything was happening
enough to name a world for & a time
to hold it in your hand
unlimited.......the last delusion
like the perfect mask of death

Friday, October 24, 2008

Pictures at Nara: Kofuku-ji Temple

Buddha Riding

on a lion’s back.

.

Jizo’s Vow

“no hope for me
(the bald man says)
“before the others

.

The Guardian
(I)

his head bent,
fingers twisted
forward

.

The Guardian (II)

veins
in his arms
about to
burst

.

The Young Guardian

smooth-faced,
a cobra
on his head

.

A Protector Against Poisons

like a rain god
& his face
a hawk’s


.


Ashura (I)

4 faces
& 6 arms


.


Ashura (II)

a lamp atop
his head
a snake around
his neck

eyes staring out

.


Ashura (III)

horned head
& screaming
set to heave
his lamp

.

A Buddha

naked,
as the day when he
was born

19.v.04

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing...
___________________
Julie
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