Even before Buddha became Buddha
A dragon stood guard
Magnificent creature
Unnecessary precaution
Intent on austerities
Danger comes from within
Indecision
Self-loathing
Stiffening of will
Nothing dragons can do
Except wait with sad eyes
Until the mind-propelled
Whirlwind blows over
What use a dragon’s roar
That rattles the heavens
Scuttles the clouds
Pours rain?
Even Mara ignores outlying protectors
Using seduction
Contempt
As arrows (invisible)
That whiz by
Any green, scaly hide
Angulimala, multi-murderer
Side-stepping the dragon
Tripped over his own feet
& fell into You-Know-Whose arms
Fears & craving alone
Tore our Buddha apart
Too much too little
Holding tight
Dragons love us but
Their heads on our laps
Offer no safety
From the familiar-smelling enemies
We let in the door
Had I been the dragon
Perhaps I could have dropped
My claws, my fire-destroying exhalation
& at the master’s feet
Sat with compassion
© January 17, 2016 | Carolyn White
