POEM OF THE MONTH

MEASURELESS TIME
For Maria, Ostend, February 10


Far beyond day-to-day reality
and the non-duality of Tibet
there is one entity that lives and moves -
Namu Amida Butsu.


This formula destroys illusion
and the fabrications of the mind.
It eases the heart's pain.
It opens the eye of truth.
It remains for ever in the memory.


The sea breaks on the rocks beneath us.
The winter sun illumines our faces.
People around us talk.
The vegetable soup is hot and good.


Nembutsu fills the five oceans
of permanence, durability,
certitude, harmony and sound.
Like a magnificent silver moon,
it adorns the blue empyrean.


I say the words softly under my breath
here in this tiny coastal wilderness
where our four footsteps shuffle through sand.