Buddhahood
The Japanese have recovered well despite
radiation, rice for breakfast, green tea
on trays in place of coveted coffee.
Go there and you’ll lose your shoes
in front of every doorway,
be soothed by steaming washcloths, shoji screens,
sweet red bean, and sandalwood beads.
In the home of my eternal life
there was no sign of Jesus from the floor
packed with strangers where I remained
on my knees, praying to Buddha, till my feet
were the color of cherry blossoms.
(from Ripped Railway Tickets)
