Petaled Salvation
An emperor or any man must grope
His mumbling way if he would go as pure
As Buddha or as Christ. The slightest hope
Is offered. Jesus holds out just one sure
Path forward into holiness. “Go sell
All, all you have and give it to the poor.”
The stark alternative is loneliness in Hell.
Donating all you hold is Heaven’s door.
Ashoka did not know of Francis in
Assisi, though. Ashoka’s path was with
Gautama, meditating without sin
Of owning or controlling. That’s the myth.
A devil tempts with bread and faith and power.
Nirvana waits inside a floating flower.
