For Paul Halpern

Soft
As highland heather in summer, lofty and lush.

Strong
As bodhicitta's seed in samsara's muddy grasp.

Cheerful
As a babbling brook, fawning its leisurely way.

Mindful,
Though a puzzled countenance often holds sway.

Boulder dry
Though your humour, stalking its merry mark,
Maritime moist
Your eyes and, the more so, your heart.

Solomon like samurai,
Nurtured with Kiku and lox,
Rice cracker and hummus
To the Dorje Dradul's eminent delight.

Sunrise nightcap, anyone?

Fearless fool,
Ever a guard of honour for the gentle vajra kingdom,
Invincible
Be the further blossoming of your good good heart;
Werma like,
Slyly smiling samsara's endlessness awake.....

PS: "Keep your flour dry."

Affectionately offered,
Tom Downey