Makeshift Buddhist Chant
I say let hope go,
let it sink
the world turns upside down
& everyone surrenders
no one goes to hell
carnival rides for everyone
jagged rocks shatter
silly ideas turn into driftwood
I am not choking on lies
I am not at war
I dance with fog now
nothing to cling to, embrace
I say let hope go,
let it sink
after surrender: snow cones,
purple tulips on my white flag
no one goes to hell
carnival rides for everyone
smiles of infants reach up
ready for merry-go-round
we are not choking on lies
we are not at war
13 thoughts on "Makeshift Buddhist Chant"
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love the snow cones and purple tulips on my white flag and the infant smiles ready for merry-go-round.
I say let hope go / after surrender: snow cones very playful. always seemed to me hell wouldn’t be hell if people gave up hope.
Seems like it’s one attachment that’s hard to give up. But eventually everyone has to go even if it’s at the point of death. I still have hope but hope to transform it — somehow. Anyway, the answer is dancing in the fog and it’s message is very playful.
this strikes
“no one goes to hell
carnival rides for everyone”
….it strikes again
(powerful)
Oh !
Yes! You are writing. Thank you for allowing us to see and hear your unique recovery. In experience and deep thought.
This line “I dance with fog now/nothing to cling to, embrace” is so freeing, love it.
Wow, Linda. Dancing with the fog—amazing image, perfection for what you’re saying here. Your best poem so far this month I think.
Yes!:
no one goes to hell
carnival rides for everyone
absolutely!
Dancing in the fog got me!
I also like how the repeated (some with “I” to “we” variation) stanzas simulate the world turned upside down, riding a ferris wheel and merry-go-round
oh man, these images are delicate and dreamy but grounding at the same time. carnival rides and purple tulips
That’s one powerful and yet playful chant. Bravo!