Losing a pet is like losing
a solid ground in a shaky war
She was like a home I returned to
when I felt battered
She was like an unwavering supporter
always there when I needed to vent
She was so loyal to a fault
and yet she won my heart like no other
Pets are our best friends
They left holes in our hearts
and gaze points when our eyes wander
in searching for their shadows
around us
Today,
I lost my winter leg warmer.
I lost my bed buddy.
I lost my most loyal audience.
For all 13 years,
I lost you, my Queen.
Three angels added to heaven.
One is sunflower bright.
One is fox smart.
One is sage wise.
You see,
even heaven desires them.
– in remembrance of our dear love ones: Ash, Eric and Sally
I love you so much now.
I want to love you more
in ten years time.
Help me to fulfill that!
Mourning a green lotus withered
before its season
The monk is chanting to free him
from all desires and notions of self
“My baby is turning into ashes!”
The mother’s wailing grips my heart
more than the hope for nirvana
Hair grey and frail
a mother waiting for her son’s samsara
少壮命早归
哭丧青莲衣
轮回成灰登极乐
慈母悲哭动天庭
prickly lush green leads me down the stream
earthy force channels through my bare feet
a pied heron pokes its head up tilting towards me
I hesitate, unsure of my trespassing
I look at the heron holding my breath
not sure when humans are isolated from
the natural habitat
Photo taken by Cassa Bassa at Fagan Park, Sydney, Australia
I experimented sobriety
in end of year party season
Surprise!
I ate less danced more
Party people are beautiful
in any age
Sleazebags and criminals
stood out like sore thumbs
inescapable to my sober mind
He made her cry
like an orange peel
stung her eyes
He made her numb
like a tangy grapefruit
bittered her tongue
He made her smile
like a ripen orangelo
surprised her lips
with a swell of affection
We came naked
welcomed by clapping hands
and joyful tears
the in breath of the spirit
gave us life on earth
We left naked
farewelled by gripping arms
and tears of sorrow
soulless husks returned to dust
to feed the moss filled ruin
We farewelled with a hug
after a lazy beach day
I complained about
your sweaty hot skin on mine
your breath burned my earlobe
I dived straight back in the sea
to cool off
When the police kicked down
your apartment door
you laid on the warm floor tiles
bathed in the hot afternoon sun
The coroner released you
in a numbered bag to the holding room
1-5°C was ideal for you
I stood staring at you
in front of the open casket
You looked cold and distant
took no notice of the flush pink
plastered on your face
All the eulogy givers tried so hard
to warm up the service with dead jokes
to comfort the mouners with inconsolable stories
to celebrate your life with cruel death’s doing
You are now a chill stone
tied around my ankle
sinking me forever into the deep blue
withholding your hot sweat
and burning breaths
Flicker of Thoughts 