1914 IV: The Dead

the years did to him
like they had to wines
a calmness, mellowness

-submissions to the divine
tempests, victory and loss-

they poured a shade onto him
like amber - leaves that return
a million years to shine like miracles

the halo round the buddha
circled the realms for answers
to every breath, every consciousness
before crowning him with triumph

every year of study of the sutras
brings new understanding,
new awakenings, a clearer sky
the manner vintage wine surprises (greets)
the tongue every new spring

David Desantis (4/29/2008 2:07:00 PM)
wow...beautiful. I love the equation of year to wine, calm mellowness in age....very good man

Fred Babbin (12/7/2007 11:02:00 AM)
A coincidence - I am a Buddhist.

Riquetta Elliott (12/5/2007 10:28:00 AM)
John your poem made me feel so calm and mellow. I have to crown you for writing your poem so well written and enthused. Outstanding work please persist to write more.

Penny Hemans (10/21/2007 2:19:00 AM)
Rupert Brooke has been an inspiration in our family for a lifetime: John, your poem is an inspiration and an insight into the poet; makes one feel cool, calm, mellow; so good to read...xxxPenny

Ivor Hogg (10/3/2007 11:12:00 AM)
If only the human race matured as a whole race instead of as seperate individuals the world would be a better place
Yet each life contributes something to the overall tapestry

Lee Degnan (10/8/2006 5:35:00 PM)
Awesome write, John, I enjoyed reading this one....

Debbie Kean (8/11/2006 7:10:00 AM)
Oh, awesome! Your poem is so evocative, wonderful... I love the idea of wine and people mellowing...

Meredith Creek (12/4/2005 6:35:00 PM)
WOW! Great work. Meredith

Steve Armstrong (11/22/2005 1:26:00 PM)
Hi John,
Loved this, very good wording! A 10 from me

Mary Nagy (10/24/2005 6:28:00 AM)
John, This is very lovely. Great poem. Sincerely, Mary