dreams of black and white

i dream of monkeys short (and
tall) wagging fingers tossing shit
and eating bananas before
the temple of the jade buddha

"lies unravel - truth no more a dream
peace in the moment - simpler than it seamed"
the monk in orange robes bows and chants

i dream of closed eyes and golden
calves unworshiped, unadored
upon dusty mahogany shelf

the callous of a soul farmer's
hands displayed for heathens
to bend stares in mad wonder
of a hopeless laughter.

i dream of a sockless walk along
an endless river flowing up a mountain
to the cold snows of my wasted
youth, "the pilgrim's quest --
a home we all share.
A mansion for beggars --
no roof but the sky"

The sandals of the monk slap
the cobbled stones as he walks
by the monkey again chanting.

i dream of harmony where a melody
falls a thousand feet from painted heavens
with the monkey shit and ice cream
wrappers blowing in the wind

the tourists bow politely then
head in to the golden cavern where
tiny Buddha sits exhaulted for his
clear mind and fat belly.

I dream of monkeys short
(and tall) nibbling along my heels
for new bananas - then stopping
as I enter the temple to respect

the monks smile as I kneel
and chant, "We are all one
family...

Let us live hand in hand
Let us live and understand
Let us live in peace."