Saturday, June 12, 2010

Child's Play



HERE'S A POEM THAT I FIRST published in my book of poems, TWO GHOSTS.  Self published.  It works, is nice to see your book published.  But bear in mind that it can be a money pit.  Because every few months "they" (publishers) present an idea to help you sell your book.  Outlay of money on your part.  Promoting the book, on their part.  I generally say, no thank you!  Maybe that's why my book isn't a best seller.  But that's OK.  We're talking poetry here.  It's just nice to hold a book of my poetry in my hands.  I'm not the most driven person in the world.  Although I'd sell the screen rights in a minute.  Anyone?

I may have posted this poem before..well, here it is again.


CHILD'S PLAY

Eleven years old
and the light in his eyes
dims to black points.
The roundness of his chin
takes on a shimmer
that looks like whiskers.
Little ancient boy will never smile,
he's slipped out
the backdoor of childhood.

A Buddhist teacher at his side whispers,
"You have 84,000 different emotions,
and the three poisons.
Just thoughts.
Don't be distracted".

The boy shrugs,
no stranger to the study of virtue.
Break free.
Be empty.
Go away.
Come back.

But first he wants to run outside
and play in the snow.
Simply a thought.


@copyright/ al rights reserved/ 2008

Two Ghosts/ poems/ Lyn Rochelle/  http://www.amazon.com/








15 comments:

Sheri said...

lyn, your poem was fabulous! such whimsy in the heart of an 11 year old, no matter how much good teaching he receives!
i appreciate you sharing your own situation when it comes to publishing. not only am i very proud of you but you're a smart cookie, as well ;)

Lyn said...

Hi sheri-
Thank you..I do like this little guy too...and the best way to self publish is not to keep throwing money after it!!

Blue Sky Dreaming said...

This one touched my heart and made me smile...it doesn't get better than that!
Good words on self-publishing..thank you.

Carrie Van Horn said...

This one is amazing, I love it! :-)

Lyn said...

Hi Mary Ann-
How kind you are...thanks..
I learned a bit about publishing...

Lyn said...

Hi Carrie-
Thanks so much..I'll find more with my Buddha Boy!

Unknown said...

Hi Lyn,

I don't recall seeing this before, so it was nice to read. No-one should have their childhood stolen. It is all gone far too quickly! I'll trade you books!

Lyn said...

Hi Derrick-
I think when one is chosen to be a young Buddhist monk, much is taken away..and given..
Good idea to exchange books..how??
Thanks!!

Anonymous said...

Lyn I loved the poem and the image just added that little extra to help one visualise the little boy. I can just see him peering through a window or door wishing for a second to take flight.

Lyn said...

Hi Sylvia-
I think I was lucky to find that photo..so thank you so much!!

A Cuban In London said...

'But first he wants to run outside
and play in the snow.
Simply a thought.'

Simplicity is often overlooked and underrated and yet, like your short poem on many occasions it provides a deeper response to dilemmas than a thousand-word manifesto could. Many thanks.

Greetings from London.

Lyn said...

Greetings to a Cuban-
I think that we all definitely share almost everything, therefore I try to get to the underlying truth..thanks so much.
Glad your comment was printed..my blog has gone nuts, shrug??

Helena said...

That was sweet. A nice little read!

Tess Kincaid said...

Beautiful!!

(your new blog look is, too)

Lyn said...

Hi Willow-
Thanks so much..but now comments don't show up automatically anymore...have to fool around to have it work!!

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