On the clay-tiled floor
I spread myself like chess coins,
sleeping all morning.
Dreaming...I perspire
over the next crucial move,
facing smiling void.
****
Author notes
Facing Buddha
A contest entry
- I am lost... by PrabhuDayal Khattar.
400 points, ended January 8, 16 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 7 of 7
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well thought and concieved the truth of this great nature in terms of the life which we all are living..well done indeed...and thanks...
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The concentration on chess would appear to be zugzwang as far as Buddhist contemplation goes and yet you make it fit.
Good work.
Jim -
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Yes, Jim, they do not go together. I wanted to communicate that stage when one foot is in this world and the other in Buddha. Conflict even in moments of glimpsing encounter with satori... or satori causing conflict...being checkmated by Buddha at every turn, the anguish over not being able to either surrender to him or conquer the lure of his smile.
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Dreams tell us what we really think when we are not conforming to expectations. "Chess coins" may be chess men or pieces; or I don't know. If the opponent is smiling, how crucial is the next move? You seem to say that we are taking life too seriously, and I agree.
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Smiling void is Meditating Buddha, the one who has transcended everything and merged with the whole to become nothing. This poem is about what is happening to me, my inner turmoil as I confront the reality of the self. The poem's failure is the limitation of words to communicate the real.
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This is the reason that poets fall silent, all words and commentary are inadequate. All the best with your quest.
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Merry Christmas to you and your family!
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