Shrine by Deng Ming-Dao

Wade the warm stream to
The shrine across the river of golden sound,
Where a drunken bee drones the holy syllable
Over a crimson lotus.
Rich mango magenta and spice offerings
Are piled high by the devout.
Entering into hut of blue stone –
Cool black interior smeared with incense and
Pierced with tiny triangles of candle flame –
Ordinary cares fall to the crystalline floor.
Fiery letters appear in the air
And reappear in your heart.

~Shrine, Deng Ming-Dao