By Larry Ward
Around the bend of the Perfume River
Our Dragon Boat took time
Above steep ancient stone steps
Stood a golden pagoda constructed by an Emperor,
Silently resting on the earth
Seven levels reaching for the sky
Surprised with its simplicity, grace, and beauty
The grounds, the temple, the sound of the big bell still echoes in my heart
Touching the earth three times
In touch with my breath
In touch with my heart
In touch with my devotion
The old blue Austin that Thich Quang Duc rode
That day in Saigon 1963
A vehicle for offering his life
Engulfed in flames perfect peace,
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By Larry Ward
Around the bend of the Perfume River
Our Dragon Boat took time
Above steep ancient stone steps
Stood a golden pagoda constructed by an Emperor,
Silently resting on the earth
Seven levels reaching for the sky
Surprised with its simplicity, grace, and beauty
The grounds, the temple, the sound of the big bell still echoes in my heart
Touching the earth three times
In touch with my breath
In touch with my heart
In touch with my devotion
The old blue Austin that Thich Quang Duc rode
That day in Saigon 1963
A vehicle for offering his life
Engulfed in flames perfect peace,
lotus in a sea of fire Compassion speaks
The Bonsai trees laugh at my notions of age
Surrounded by the living graves of ancestors
The Temple and pine trees,
Thousands had gathered here for a day with Thay
A striking view of Hue
A red tea house peaks at me through the jackfruit trees
A gentle smiling monk
I make this pilgrimage three times
Who knew?
I would be
So moved
By quiet love
