Sunday, December 01, 2024

The Narrow-Gauge Train to Kandy

                 mountain mist
                 the tea plantation dotted
                 with bowing pickers

At the Temple of the Sacred Tooth, Gautama’s left incisor rests
within seven nested golden boxes behind an altar mounded
with blue lotus blossoms, the intoxicating fragrance of which
induces a state of reverence and awe amidst the clamor
of temple drums and chanting barefoot monks.

                 a procession
                 of painted elephants—
                 iron shackles

Contemporary Haibun Online, 20.3, Dec 2024

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