just sitting
a flicker
of prayer flags
at the edge
of my eye

a flicker
of the sacrifice
and simple gift
that even
now
sustains
the dharma
over centuries

the meeting
of foreheads in blessing
the lighting
of butter lamps
the litany

of monks and nuns
offering
their final blessing
into the teeth
of the great Rampage
that would
destroy them:

may all beings be released
from suffering

the whipping
of prayer flags
in the mountain wind

why are we here
in this world?

we are here
for the dharma
the old lama said

we are here
to transmit virtue