April is Poetry Month: On the Buddha's Belly

During the month of April, in honor of National Poetry Month, I am re-posting poems that I have written and shared on this blog. This one is from June 26, 2010. 

On the Buddha’s Belly

The terracotta laughing Buddha

Sits beneath the red bud tree

As is his custom.

He casts a knowing glance across the yard

To St. Francis

Who stands beside the juniper.

A lizard crawls upon the Buddha’s belly

And rests in the sun

While a hummingbird gathers nectar nearby.

St. Francis declares that creation rejoices

As the Buddha allows

The humblest of creatures

To rest in the stillness of the day.

Chaos threatens confused rulers of the world

While order and peace reside

In my backyard.

                                                    ~ CK

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Upper photo: Forest Buddha by Marianne Williams (Getty Images)

Lower photo: Backyard Buddha by Charles Kinnaird

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