FEATHERED FRIENDS
“Do you understand nembutsu?”
I asked the tree.
“Yes I do,” it said.
Pay no attention
to other people’s behaviour.
Focus on your own.
At peace with the world,
a little cluster of ducks
nestles in the grass.
They must have heard me!
I watch them slowly waddle
in my direction.
All is nembutsu.
Three lads playing with a ball
are bodhisattvas.
A park is a place
you forget those that hate you
and return to life.
Here on this green bench
I’m anything but alone.
Sunshine on the page.
Am I that blackbird
whistling its glorious song
with angelic wings?
Sing, and be heard
by the four walls of your garden,
as Voltaire remarked.
Botanieken Hof, 26 June ’17.