although I can cast aside
wealth
and live happily
in humble surroundings
still I will crave
good health
and the love
and approbation
of others
Buddha sat under a tree
with only himself
and created thoughts
for company
but I
I am not nearly
so clever
At the airport
I gave my friend
a serene Buddha
although neither of us
knew the Four Truths
or the Eight Fold Path.
She turned it in her hand:
a statuette, small
enough to fit
inside her pocket.
It would be
the someone
who always
smiled back
when she did.
RED GLADIOLA 