There is a point in our emotional being when one crosses over to another place, even if for only a moment in time. Such was my experience last week. We happened to visit a Buddhist temple at their time of worship. Golds and deep reds dazzled my eyes as carved wooden panels, candles, supplicants and monks came into my sight line. Peripheral vision seemed to disappear. Chanting and soft rhythmic bells calmed in this mystical place. I found myself kneeling, head bowed, hands folded, sensing an other-worldness of supreme thanksgiving for life. For those few moments, I was in an inward place, so deep inside myself. Very hard to explain in words. . . and then it was time to leave. I walked out into sunlight, to talk and live, in the now and here again world I normally occupy.
mountains disappear
clouds bridge to earth as fine mist
then lift in sun’s light
Posted from Singapore for dVerse where Grace asks us to write a haibun incorporating the word “bridge.” JUST A WARNING to dVerse readers: I am traveling for 40 days. We board our ship Monday and will be at sea for two days (no internet) and then in Bali – internet questionable. This means although I may be able to write and have someone at dVerse link in for a prompt, many times I will not be able to reply to comments or read and reply to others’ poems. It is not at all because I am ignoring your poems. So–do take that into consideration on any of my future posts — except for the last five days in Sydney. I will totally understand if folks choose not to read my posts during this time. I also am operating with an iPad instead of my computer and can’t figure out how to highlight a word and link it to a URL or to make it italics – excuse the all caps. PS: Singapore has been glorious!
lillian the home poet 
Sounds like you have an incredible adventure ahead of you. I look forward to reading more of the stories…
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It was an amazing journey…40 days: Singapore, Bali, Australia and New Zealand. We are just back…alghough our bodies still think it’s tomorrow in Sydney! Jet lag…oof!
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I think those places where we find a bridge to self is wonderful…
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This was just one magical place this trip took me on. I’m certain it shall be a muse for some poetry coming up! 🙂
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Thank you for sharing another fantastic experience. I feel as if I’m getting little postcards from you. Bringing back lovely memories of travelling days. And what a beautiful haiku to finish with.
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Postcard poetry — hmmmm, now that’s an idea 🙂
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My goodness, this is so beautifully poignant.. the tone, the images that you paint.. make it all so very vivid! I almost felt like I was there myself 🙂 Especially love the haiku! ❤️
Lots of love,
Sanaa
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So glad you enjoyed. We are just now back from our 40 day sojourn. The trip of a lifetime!
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Wonderful haiku Lillian and thank you for sharing your travel stories and experiences :o)
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So glad you enjoyed. Just now back from this trip of a lifetime. Although my body has no idea what day it is, tomorrow in Sydney or today in Boston! 🙂
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Welcome back Lillian, it sounds like you had an amazing time! :o)
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Thanks for sharing your amazing journey as you can.
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Glad you enjoyed. It was truly the trip of a lifetime. Back now and I’m certain this journey shall be a muse for many an upcoming poem 🙂
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I never tire of the rich reds and gold of such temples…
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I was mesmorized the moment I walked in!
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Peripheral vision seemed to disappear.. love that…the convergence of the mind inward..a beautiful feeling indeed echoed in your haiku as mountains disappear!
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Exactly. I was, for a few moments, in another space and time.
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I have been to Singapore so I can relate stepping into a different time and place. Enjoy your journey.
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We loved our 5 days in Singapore. It all was truly the journey of a lifetime!
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I have had that feeling too…in a tiny little church in Sedona, I’d like to ask you if you had any problem taking a video of the Buddhist temple. I have heard that in some Asian countries, you are not allowed to take photos of a Buddha statue.
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I always ask…..I am usually told simply not to take videos of anyone worshipping.
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Your post is a bridge in itself, Lillian – from wherever you are on your fantastic journey to us here in the ether! And that haiku is a gem too! I look forward to more photographs and news of your travels.
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Thank you, Kim. Just getting to reading now and writing again. Feels good to get ot my early morning routine again….alghout jet lag had me doing it at 4 am this morning. My body doesn’t know what present tense it’s in….tomorrow in Sydney or today in Boston! 🙂
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Well done for participating at all under the circumstances, Lillian, it’s always hard when travelling (as I know all too well)! I love that moment of calm and contemplation and emotion that you capture – I’ve experienced that in a couple of places of collective worship too (usually with religions I am less familiar with).
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It is very special when one can truly take a moment and fall inward and experience calm. It becomes rarer and rarer in these times.
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One feels the flow of invisible power passing through when in such places. The awe is apparent in your lines. Great!
Hank
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So glad you enjoyed Hank. I am just back from the trip of a lifetime so getting back to reading and writing. …although my body still thinks its in Sydney tomorrow rather than in Boston now…hence up at 4 AM and reading……don’t know what present tense I’m in! Jet lag…ugh!
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Those rare moments on that bridge to awareness and peace-lovely feeling you impart here.
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Sadley, they are rarer and rarer these days. Now that I am home from this amazing 40 day journey, I am bound and determined to getting back to my 20 minute morning meditation. It just helps to collect oneself inward before beginning the day.
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A lovely take on the prompt. (Pity I don’t live closer to Sydney; I’d be tempted to try and meet – but it’s many hours away.)
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Ah Rosemary — we absolutely loved Australia and New Zealand. They are magical places!
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impressive!
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Thank you! 🙂
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