BECOMING

I planted a Linden sapling

and cared for it,

another living being.

Drinking in the sun and rain,

it responded

by expanding with vigour.

She offered the gift of flowers,

the fragrance heady.

Gently,

this great Bodhisattva provided shade

for the Buddha,

the pond and it's

community of goldfish,

the Cardinal family,

and me,

providing a cool,

welcoming shelter for all,

regardless of whom or what.

As I sit by the pond,

enjoying yet another generation of goldfish,

drinking linden flower tea,

I ponder the life we've shared.

~ Thich nu Tinh Quang