one

solitary

saffron bonze

burning silence

one lotus blooming

fires of defiance

world to see

ignited

by

a

flame

a prayer

a petrol can

unspoken protest

black and white dressed

sitting alone in the street

posture of protest

bald peace

serene

redemption

beyond retreat

last rites of salvation

spiritual immolation

parting prayer

suffering

solace

transcendent

frozen forever

upon gray newsprint

soon buried in white lime

black blood and charred bones

seeking forever the level sea

where every thing flows

against shifting winds

always blow

alone

Copyright © 2000, by Hugh M. Lewis

February 19, 2000