the day begins
some sweeping
the abbot’s chambers
bed, desk
and view
shower
sink
and toiletries
a new flower
then down to meet administrators
we stay apart
and then a walk
around the temple
where more sweeping takes place
teak trees are growing
and kitchen stores are low
fresh pasta!
then all is put away
Late afternoon
Soon dark
tomorrow is another day
Empty abbot’s meeting room
my altar
prayers
Suresh who keeps me fed
his spotless kitchen
Lunch
moi?
the roof garden
dancing trees
and pirouettes
I venture out
circumambulate
admire our environment
encourage new growth
the banyan tree is doing well
so is the bamboo
though palms are suffering
shriveling in the harsh heat
Some survive
Electricians visit
our transformer has burned out
I visit the monks rooms, meet new incarnations
much morning memorization
Drepung Monastery is locked up behind us
each finds his quiet spot
wherever
to concentrate
and memorize
I pass the incense burner
and find George who keeps us on the straight and narrow
our temple keeper prepares offerings
then lunch
we keep our social distance
walk through the kitchen
to be served
then out to the debating pavilion
and behind the temple
to visit the dancing trees
admired from above
They’re grand
and graceful
How fortunate we are!
Others circumambulate
enjoy the garden
while we remain veranda bound
or in our rooms
barred
we still enjoy the dance
lean out for a closeup
and capture a shadow
but mostly screened in
cherishing a safe brush
and hoping to soon return to earth
Out my window, the palm trees dance
out my door, the sun is bright
I open the screen to let in the breeze
and peak out to see our cow
step onto the veranda
and am reminded to develop the temple within