Red Peony Petals Fallen on a White Windowsill

Red Peony Petals Fallen on a White Windowsill

The fallen red lies still as it is weak

And strong.  The petals lie as still as prayer

By Buddha in serenity.  A Greek

Simplicity is called to mind.  An air

Of Classicism rules the scene, restrained.

Yet scarlet does not lend itself to calm.

Romanticism enters hotly stained.

We sense a spiritual upraised palm

Containing both Nirvana in the Buddha’s hand

And nail holes bleeding from a cross.  At peace

The petals of the peony are bland,

Because of death, but not. Divisions cease.

..A marble statue wearing only white

….Contains inside it carmine candlelight.