Before and After

(all has now been restored and Buddha is looking serene once again, despite the rain)

Buddha is oblivious to
the cascade of leaf fall from the birch
stirred by November rustles

leaves weep in showers of ochre tumble
non stop as they settle on
rain puddled garden table top

seated in lotus position
he is perfectly peaceful
serene and calm amid summer lost

eyes closed in meditation
unaware of his cooler surroundings
or incoming danger

from a curious feline
whose playful claws and paws are out
with an accurately aimed clout

minutes before all was harmony
and balance
it’s not any more

Reviews

[Neville]

No man is above man & my lord Gautama Buddha knew he was no exception to this ruling I'm betting he is smiling & has already forgiven the cat & the leaves and the encroaching winter .. 💜

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Neville. He made a very quick recovery and is back in position looking as calm and serene as ever. The cat is not so curious now. Behaving herself:)

Chris 💜

[Vol]

Chris,
At this late date in my life, I'm still figuting it all out. I have a rather pronounced case of ADHD, and am just realizing that I never do what I think I'm doing... well what I mean is while I am doing something, my mind is doing what comes next, so I have a really difficult time staying on task. Normally, I'm doing at least four things at the same time, hands in the dishwater, then dried to go find where I left that cup, dry my hands, clean and empty the coffee pot, set it up for tomorrow morning, head back to the sink, get the empty can off the counter and crush it, put it in the trash, wash the next dish, look around... My harmony is never anything like ZEN, but somehow, I have survived and appear to be reasonably satisfied with it all...

[Chris Shaw]

If you can keep sane and satisfied Vol, you are doing ok. Sending you Christmas greetings from the UK. All the very best to you.

Chris

[Vol]

And to you, my poet friend. I remember studying The Romantics... Shelley, Keats, Byron, etc, and what friends they were, how they hung out in all those places, challenged each other, wrote together, probably, laughed at the same things poets still do, and wish all of us were in similar circumstances... I wonder which one did the cooking, was there a designated cleaner, or did they take turns... They probably had maids and footmen... were they allowed to join the fun?
Anyway, Chris... MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU!!!

[Laz K.]

the feline was a teacher offering a valuable lesson: one mut be able to keep a tranquil, serene mind even when under attack. :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks for the smile Laz. Sending you Christmas greetings from the UK. All the best to you and yours.

Chris

[Stephany]

Doesn’t seem like peace and harmony are almost an illusion. It takes just one quick movement to the the balance
I enjoyed this

[Chris Shaw]

You are so right, peace and harmony can fly out the window at very short notice:) Thank you Stephany for your thoughts. Very much appreciated.

Chris

[John the Baptist]

I have a Buddha on my front porch, and he too looks perpetually calm. No cats have tried his patience as yet, but I don't know how he will fare with the ongoing cascade of leaves.

[Chris Shaw]

He should be ok with a bit of leaf flutter:) I do like the presence of my new Buddha figurine. Certainly a calming influence. The cat is getting used to him. The curiosity is going. Thank you John.

Chris

[DoormanDan]

I definitely aspire to be like that these days. At the very least, I have a cat sleeping on me right now, so yay there.

I like the imagery you've used to flow through this piece. It definitely feels very relaxing and meditative. Nicely penned :).

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Doorman Dan for stopping by. Cats and meditation, I guess they go well together:) Good to find some peace and relaxation in our chaotic world. All the best.

Chris

[Pete]

ever changing seasons. out with the old and in with the new that they bring. quite clever how you compare buddha to the serenity of summer and a playful cat to the stirring change. nature has something for each of us. we are blessed by both - your great writing and grand seasons. what's not to like?

"Live in each season as it passes: breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of each." - Thoreau

[Chris Shaw]

I love your Thoreau quotes Pete. Thank you so much and for enjoying nature as much as I do. She teaches us many lessons. Have a great Wednesday.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

Buddha is portrayed as stoic and graceful and oblivious to the elements. I love how you intertwine nature and this God, with vivid imagery and soft voices... in the forest...he meditates...one can almost hear the silence he exudes....danger does not phase him...after the storm...he will still meditate...
love your words...
Warmly, B

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Betty. This little figurine of Buddha is new to my garden. All has been restored to his former calm and serene position. Our feline is behaving herself. Always good to have a visit from you. Hope your husband is improving health wise. You look after yourself as well.

Chris 🌹

[Betty Hermelee]

My pleasure dear Chris; things are looking up! but slowly! Thanks for your concern!
Warmly, B