While seated in meditation
You walked past my shut eyes,
My face in peaceful repose,
My still body, more still than a garden.
I must have seen you in the vivid
Colors that sanctify the dome
Of my eyelids: white banner, blue bicycle,
Red silkscreen.

Soon I arose and spotted you
As things appear underwater;
Hand in hand we walked,
My breath deepening to the depth
Of your origin, my hand touching
The coral of your hand.

Your presence fell
Around me like a geyser or a current;
All that I had inwardly seen with
Private purity now took shape in your body,
And blood singed my face
As though angry to have been converted
To the religion that bears your name.

Written on Friday, March 26th, 2004