I Am Not Buddha Poem by Steven Polinsky

I am not Buddha
Far from the Bhodi Tree
2,000 years from that time
Struggling to know who I am
Why I am here
What direction in which to travel?

I am a just a human being
Fighting off demons
Walking, at times, in fear
Sensing remnants of other lives

I am not Buddha
I’ve obligated myself to others
Taken on worldly responsibilities
Searched for words of explanation
Felt failure

I get angry
Emotions overtake me
I suffer from indignation
Prehistoric defensiveness
Manipulated by Life

I am not Buddha
If I were
I would have more wisdom
Clarity
I would be “at one”

Free of all attachments…Yes?
Able to accept all with grace…of course!
Venture into the ether with serenity…absolutely.
I would be fearless, open, bold…no doubt

I am not Buddha…
But I am learning.