Happy New Year!

Today marks the Chinese New Year! The closest I have been to China was this past summer when I spent a month backpacking In Thailand, Cambodia and Laos. To sum up my trip, I wrote a poem...

I Went Searching For Buddha

I went searching for Buddha where I thought he’d be found,
In lands where beauty in simplicity abounds.

I went searching for Buddha in the wats of Chiang Mai,
Through the forests and tunnels where headless Buddha statues lie.

A blessing from a monk, a spirit bracelet on my wrist,
But Buddha never came, and he was surely missed.

I went searching for Buddha in the verdant Laos hills,
Where a line of rice a mile long strengthens solid wills.

A slowboat to Pak Ou, a tuk-tuk to Kuang Si,
But somehow in the beauty, Buddha eluded me.

I went searching for Buddha in the mystic Angkor Wat,
Where valiant trees stand their ground after battles they once fought.

In visages of seclusion, and early morning dew,
Buddha always remained distant, just outside my view.

I went searching for Buddha on the islands in the sea,
Sailing deep, unchartered waters, diving 20,000 leagues.

Surfacing only for a nap or a bite of food to eat,
There was no time or place for Buddha and I to meet.

I went searching for Buddha on the banks of the River Kwai,
A third class, open-air ticket to be a silent passerby.

Not the rafting, nor the riding, nor hiking Erawan Falls,
Made ever-loving Buddha appear to answer all my calls.

I went searching for Buddha in loud, bustling Bangkok.
Amid locals on the river, following crowds along the dock.

Searched Grand Palace in and out, wats and market vendors too,
But Buddha escaped me every time, I left before I knew.

I went searching for Buddha where I thought for sure he’d be,
But Buddha was not out there, Buddha is in me.

Copyright 2007 Melanie McCaffery