bardo

i miss you
and find myself wondering
where and how and if you are
you are because we are
and you are part of we
but are you free?

i remember how you just hate anything
the least bit tainted by the supernatural
yet you believe in the good
and work for the peace
you are relentless
about the consequence of a thought.

perhaps that's why peaceful buddhists
beckoned you across the sea
and why you were happy in their place
i see you now again in their midst
in their bardo - awakening
where the sun is always setting
and souls are recycled

these folk gave you a great gift
for bardo is the proper in-between
to finally unwrap your sadness
and be pleased with all you are

but you were christian first and still
and have chased jesus all your life
you've met him often in his varying disguise
and so encouraged, uplifted us

i remember your lessons
your direct manner
the joy above your sorrow
the hope above your hurt
you always left a warm space after
you have left it again with us. .
for a friend just passed, whose compassion and understanding were great, and whose sadness was ever present.
  1journey.net     aug 2011 elias