buddha at the bar

Buddha at the bar

the buddha knocked one back

at the darkened bar

slapped the counter and called for another

the scotch was new to the buddha

"it tastes like the dust of many paths" he said

"paths we have followed and neglected

places we have smelled, the scenery of fallen leaves

barren trees, mountains bereft of people

cities and villages, ocean and sky

flowing rivers and polluted lanes

anger and joy

it tastes like everything"

others in the bar looked around

observing the buddha in his traveling robe

wondering what he meant

when the buddha left the bar

the other patrons called for the barkeep

"what was he drinking?" they asked

I'll try a glass"