Why Not Read the Dhammapada

I mean the pure translation

by Eknath Easwaran, a warm book

loved in theory

and in practice. I graze 

the rows of letters upon

off-white pages as the atman 

becomes anatman.

The Buddha keeps

it simple. I try 

to hold in mind 

no mind at all. Look at 

all these cold flowers.

Look at them 

for starch, for wrinkling.

For atmosphere maybe

parched until now.