Good Government

By: Charles Giuliano - Dec 30, 2021

 

Good Government

How to tell a Buddhist
From an Daoist
I asked sipping soup
An ancient tale
Told over lunch
With a soupcon
Of Szechuan sauce
For twinkle and spice
The good governor
Idea for council chamber
There to meet
Those in his charge
To act judiciously
Like the frescoes
In sensual Sienna
He commissioned
Teams of monks
Curtain down the middle
Fair competition
They labored
Day and night
For a week
The Buddhists diligently
Painted exquisite mural
Magnificent city
Utopian details
The very model of
A modern major general
The Daoists cavorted
Rowdy carousal
Partied outrageously
Horrendous hang overs
Unfettered festivity
Then the last night
Furious banging about
Clash and clatter
Finished by dawn
The curtain was drawn
The Buddhists stunned
Truly magnificent work
Exquisite detail
On the other side
Wall of mirrors
Perfect reflection
What happened next
With bated breath
Full of expectation
Craving closure
It’s just a story
He said succinctly
With a sly wink
Think what you will
For Daoists just life
Be calm and still