Freedom From
Freedom From
I gaze at the Buddhas
gazing down
and want so very much to have
what they have
in their hands
in their laps
in the moment–
freedom from
desire.
**********************
Yes, it’s a bit trite! But I saw a wonderful show of South East Asian art this evening at the Metropolitan Museum in NYC. (The pictures are from there.) AND I have an anti-gun poem that my husband doesn’t really want me to post, this, the somethingth day in April, National Poetry Month. So, instead, I am posting this one and linking it to Open Link Night on With Real Toads.
And, finally, there’s is a really sweet — from the interviewer’s side– interview with me on the wonderful online poetry site, Poets’ United–by Sherry Marr–of Sherry Blue Sky. If you are interested, check it out!
Thanks.
Explore posts in the same categories: New York City, poetryTags: April National Poetry Month, Buddha poem, CRAVING freedom from desire, gazing at the navel in a good way, manicddaily, South East Asian Buddhas
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ManicDDaily 
April 7, 2014 at 10:38 pm
it takes a bit of work to get to the get to that point
to find that much freedom…hmm…you have me interested
in the gun poem….
April 8, 2014 at 2:30 am
I love the idea that i get, that they only have that freedom from desire for a moment. I’m also interested in the gun poem!
April 8, 2014 at 7:55 am
My sense is that the Buddhas get freedom from desire from moment to moment in a rather ongoing way! Unlike me! Thanks. k .
April 8, 2014 at 7:00 am
I got to this a bit late…sorry. Not trite at all. I think it’s very hard for us to banish desire the way a native Buddhist might do. Our upbringings are so often centered around individual struggle and domination of the world. Hard to imagine the discipline it would take to let that all go. But that victory over desire is so beautifully reflected in these faces.
Steve K.
April 8, 2014 at 7:55 am
Aren’t those Buddhas beautiful? I feel a little funny taking pictures in a museum so I don’t think I even got the best ones–and of course the show–about S.E.Asia–was not all Buddhas– Thanks. I’ve not had much time the last few days so I feel my poems have been a little on the simple side! But maybe that’s good too. Thanks again, Steve. k.
April 8, 2014 at 7:18 am
The Buddha tells us that freedom from desire is the goal of human life….and i think this poem in an way is anti-gun…
April 8, 2014 at 8:51 am
Lovely, yes, desirable, yes, but without struggle.
April 8, 2014 at 11:00 am
But isn’t it human to desire? Desire can lead to pain and issues, but it seems to me it’s unavoidable and we’d best learn to live at peace with it. I’ve read that the Buddha taught pain comes from clinging. That I believe.
Really enjoyed your interview and I’m amazed that you can find time to do all the things you do. I noticed your multi-faceted nature a few weeks back when you were on a business trip and were sharing some sketches and words. It almost seems like a yin yang thing – the law and art – that they complete each other somehow? Add staying physically active to the mix as well as going green – you set an inspiring example.
April 8, 2014 at 11:03 am
Ha. Well thank you, Mark. You are very kind. I had a latish night last night so do not feel very fit! But I appreciate your kind words very much. K.
April 8, 2014 at 11:56 am
I love this poem and have that same wish….love the photo too…..I am so happy you liked the interview, kiddo. It was a pleasure to create with you. My two fave animals in it, too, dogs and elephants!
April 8, 2014 at 12:48 pm
I always wonder if they really do–insn’t that desire to be free of all desire the perfect paradoxical logic that we use for everything? But I do know that feeling, which you pour out here unstintingly, in so few words, yet all the stronger, condensed and heavy with that weight of wanting something that seems impossible. Really good short one, k.
April 8, 2014 at 2:01 pm
Thanks. I think it might be better if I call it Freedom From Desire and omit the last line, so that it ends in “in the moment.”
Just looking at it now. I read yours earlier, but in meetings all day so have not been able to take a break to comment. k.