Generic Buddha
4.4.2013
I
Like the unnamed official
who opens Harlem fire hydrants
offers cool mist to sweltering
confused black children, barefoot
on August Manhattan tarmacs,
generic Buddha
ultimate product you can be found anywhere
II
Unnamed and plain wrapped
that inconceivable combination
of new-old ingredients
Oh what a feeling!
you do not Toyota with us you drive the vehicle
not designed for California highways
vehicle that knows the unknown terrain,
to travel the fresh path you continually uncover
I would cut all credit cards
Like Gleem itself
you clean and conquer in two ways
polish the inner enamel
purify both breath and breathing
morning noon and night,
ultimate Lifesaver that never dissolves
natural deodorant that never diminishes
generic Buddha
ultimate product
to wash in the rain of purity you provide,
I would drain the entire Tide of samasara
No plop plop, fizz fizz
no bizmo or gizmo
no roto rooter, no draino
no extra vapour power
can bloom those flowers that appear
after you clear and rout
the clogged channels of memory and sense
Available on every shelf of every self
Universal Product Code itself
product beyond the concept of products
yet ultimate product
generic Buddha
I would empty all pockets
and purge all sockets of purchase-attachment
to simply walk the aisles
of that magical market
while you alone
gently proclaim the Dharma
Peter Livingston
Bedford Springs
February, 1982
Thank you to Seth Levinson for sending this in, and Patty Livingston for permssion. -Ed