Behold the Jewel in the Lotus

[clevermanka]

I thought I saw you last week, headed up the stairs to Strong Hall. She looked so much like you: tall, broad-shouldered, crazy-frizzy steel colored hair. She had your easy, loping gait and she carried her head high, without looking down at her feet. Of course I knew it wasn't you, but my heart stopped for a moment before my brain reminded me No.

You've been dead nearly two years now. It's been at least five years since I saw you for the last time. But I have your New Year cards, beautifully done with your newly-found calligraphy talent. I have your emails, full of descriptions of your first trip to India and your first thoughts of entering the monastery. I remember your first (and last) trip back here, before you took your vows. You're probably the only Buddhist nun I'll ever know.

I wish I'd taken time to visit you in Kyoto. I wish I'd been able to see your little garden behind the guest house at the monastery in India. I wish I had a photograph of us, because although you weren't conventionally attractive, you were beautiful to me. I wish I'd written when I didn't hear from you for so long. I wish I'd known you were sick. I wish your sister hadn't had to write us all that sad, terrible letter.

Last week when I thought I saw you, I knew I had to tell you about it. And this May Day, so bright and cheerful and full of hope, is the perfect day for it. You were a glorious spot of sun. I wish you could continue to shine in more than just memory.

Namaste, Cielan Chaney.

Comments

[tessagratton.livejournal.com]

What an honored memorial, Lydia. I have no idea who this person is or was, but this was beautiful to read and filled with your images of her that I feel like I *did* know her.

Thank you.

[tessagratton.livejournal.com]

Also, it's nice to see this side of you. I know you are emotional, but this more poingantly sentimental (not saccharine) side does not show its face too often.

[acommonreader.livejournal.com]

These are the most beautiful words I've read in a very long time, and their complication is not undone by that beautifulness. What words.

[adammaker.livejournal.com]

You have written a wonderful memorial.

I never knew her, but your words have melted my heart.

The dear departed from my own life are now high in my mind.

*Hugs*
Adam

[the-themiscyran.livejournal.com]

This is beautiful. What a wonderful woman to have left such words in your heart.

[rougewench.livejournal.com]

To have had such a person pass through your life was indeed a blessing.


D.

[dvicci.livejournal.com]

That's two in a row, not counting the Fives. You must have honored your muse, for her to so reward you with inspiration. Well written, indeed. I did not know this person, but your words make me wish I did.

[mckitterick.livejournal.com]

That's a lovely memorial.

the lotus

[theoneinblue.livejournal.com]

Oh, how lovely, and how you honor her! Thank you for giving us a glimpse of your heart...