The Body's Heated Speech  
a n    o n l i n e    c h a p b o o k    b y    b r i a n    d e a n    p o w e r s


 

I Keep a Wooden Buddha

I keep a wooden Buddha by my bed.
I don't know who carefully carved
the folds of his robe, the curve of his
lips, the eyes soft-closed. I don't know
whose face is actually displayed.
I do know the woodworker sanded
the surface smoother than any life
could ever be. And I know the carver
is an artist: this cross-legged figure
has been transformed into a small, steady
flame. Sometimes its quiet calm
seeps into my skin.







Copyright 2009 by Brian Powers


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