Monday, April 8, 2013

E. Gene Smith











Imagine one man from Utah
living in Nepal and India,
his fifty year savant mission
recovering sacred Tibetan texts
from caves, underground burials,
or gathered from Buddhist monks 
who smuggled them, walking 
across mountains while seeking refuge. 

Imagine seeking refuge 
outside your native land.
Spinning your prayer wheels
under a slightly cooler sun. 

Imagine the sun, how it burns
so steadily and solid, 
without any concern of target.
Shining on wet rice fields, 
border fences, peace flags 
strewn across an abandoned land. 
Shining even on thick clouds, 
the ones blocking its light. 

Imagine light, your waking hours.
Imagine the string of time
you’ve been given. How are you
meant to nudge the world?
The edges of flags are frayed.
Remember, it takes just one breath
to make the cloth shiver. 







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