Transcendent Escape from Silliness
Modern poetry modern verse contemporary poetry contemporary verse modern poem contemporary poem
Why are people called Buddhas
After they die?
Because they don’t grumble anymore,
Because they don’t make a nuisance
Of themselves anymore.
~ Ikkyū
I personally have quite a way to go.
I grumble all the time, not, not at all
Like you, of course. In mornings I don’t know
How I can start my work till something small
Gets in my way . . . and . . . I can grumble, much.
My thermonuclear reaction when
A big thing happens sends me out of touch
To stratospheric moans. I want to sten,
To blast away at troubles. Griping, hot
With petty grievances, I make my way.
Mad meaning, whether spiritual or not,
Helps out in whimpering through my whining day.
If only I could learn to live in peace,
