The Monastery
 

In the serene cloister
among orchids,
garden bees and butterflies
in the silence of the Monastery grounds
I unwind as I wait...
watching clouds melt in the tranquil valley
women hustle,
gathering tender tea leaves
and new moon fading, in the far end sky

Monks, in wrap-around saffron emerge
through mountain mist and morning fog
their faces glow in golden halos
like the magnificent Sunrise from Tiger Hill
the haze is lifted, air is cleansed
by a soothing zephyr from high ranges,
the snow capped peaks of Kanchanjungha

Holy chant off palm leaf manuscripts
stir the air amidst an enchanted crowd
their hands and minds pleated in prayers
ringing Prayer bells of Hevens coalesce
with peace and repose from Senchal lake
feather light and free
essence of a certain harmony transcends
In divine moments of truth,
life stands still. And it whispers,
Heaven is here on Earth

©Vasanta Athilat 2006