I try to keep up and optimistic but these are very trying times and I've had some dismal thoughts. Writing always keeps me from falling off the edge. So here goes another one....
It's too much
on to another life,
she said
as she pointed
the gun to her head
she forgot
the rule of Theravada rebirth
but the pain
was too much
and it was too late
awakened
in another body
a new rebirth
she recalled another life
cried and gasped
turned upside down
smacked on her bottom
it was cold
when before it was warm
in the room of the womb
not ready
for a new journey of life
her bottom
red and bruised
as she lay gasping for air
this is the path
no heaven above
or hell below
I am not a god, Buddha said
I am merely awake
what thoughts
run in darkened chambers
scratched
against the prison
of my dismal mind
it's time
for a comedy--switch channels
blast
the mystic screen
follow that mocking bird
he mocks me
with his bird brain
flies away
into the setting sun
another day -- tomorrow
take a bath
and wash the grey away
the golden sun
is sinking fast
soon it will be night
be glad
I can feel the pain and sorrow
to be --
or not to be
there is no question
the moon will rise
my heart is beating
rattling against my bones
scratching the cage
surrounding my heart
all supporting
working in synchrony
my body is old yet strong
looking out
for red hummingbirds
Genie Nakano, August 30, 2020
Merging
into my present
past memories
regretful actions
only I can remember
thoughts of oblivion
cloud my heavy head
the rain
keeps pouring
pouring pouring down
the witch
is drowning and can't escape
she promises
for change and grow
so many lives have passed
dust
is forming pyramids
mummies
stalk unpaved streets
u turns dead ends barricades
where is
the god of happiness
enlightenment
for all the world
I'm trying, Lord I'm trying
I'm
going over
the edge
nothing to catch me
when I fall
a promise
is needed - even soft hopes
tell me
there's a heaven
and no hell
loving kindness
meditations, mystic chants
say them
give me a break
forgive and let go
heal the scars
fix the broken pieces
press enter -- no return
this life is more than enough
set me free
Genie Nakano, August 30, 2020
Photograph by Genie Nakano: ” My Gohansa” My Meditation Altar
To my meditation friends. This is the Loving Kindness chant we say before and after meditation. Metta keeps us happy, peaceful, free from suffering, harm, safe, loving and kind.
May I be well
Happy peaceful and
Free from suffering
May no harm come to me
May I be safe.
May I be loving and kind.
Once upon a time I considered living in a monastery. Temple life seemed so much more peaceful than worldly living. However, Theravada Buddhism monks must be celibate. I wondered why but never talked about it with the monks. So this is my fantasy poem for all my monk friends who live a life of celibacy.
Om Mani Padme hum~~Celebrate no Celibate
Standing on the steps of an ancient Cambodian temple a daydream starts to reel a thousand years tickle my toes as footsteps vibrate under my feet
The daydream takes me deep inside to hear Om mani padme hum the ancient Pali language
Sandalwood incense mixes with the fragrant Rumdul flowers rising to the heavens I am dizzy with this scent the gods in this temple love women I am blessed to be here bringing rice cakes dipped in honey, mangoes and ambrosia wine the day turns into night dreams continues on…
A rainbow moon rises in an indigo sky Om mani padmi hum three thousand years ago monks knew secrets of erotica
Everyone is blissful in this temple, the night goes on the love goes on Om mani padmi hum
To all my dear Theravada Venerable friends this is just a daydream Oh, why can’t this be real I am stuck in the land of Covid dreaming up a dream…
In 2003, I was the first Asian American to teach Bollywood at El Camino College, Torrance, California. Not many people outside of the Indian community knew what Bollywood was. But I convinced El Camino it would be a hit--and it was.
Here are my students dancing to Devdas, and performing a Mohiniattam folkdance.
https://youtu.be/mCR-rG7LNSY
Genie Nakano 