Genie Nakano, 1/18/20

International Tanka Journal No. 8, 2020 from Japan.

Publisher: Aya Yuki

*Kwan Yin, Bodhisattva, Avalokiteshvara

Kwan yin statue
stands in my backyard
alive and glowing
purple morning glories
growing at her feet

her eyes cast down
in quiet meditation
she enters
an inner world
om mani padme hum.

in the quiet
of morning light
I look to you
to calm
my eager spirit


a stone statue
where hopes and dreams are focused
loving kindness, compassion
breaking stone into…
human softness

Kwan yin,
I know you are just an image
not real in flesh and blood
yet, deep within me
you are growing and alive