The Uncrucified Buddha Poem by Kevin Kiely

He squats all gold
unpierced by nails—
head crowned by sunlight
no blood stains, no spear or vinegar
hand raised, the scent of rosewater

you must sit
like a withered tree before a cliff
and be absolutely quiet in concentration

the fragile flesh is sheer gold
tingling with diamonds
the seed-blossoms of the body
float upwards into empty space

inside—outside are equally lit
the eyes begin to blaze
and everything brightens
as if you were in a cloud and felt no gravity

the golden flower is crystallized

and desires cause freefall
as you go through delusions undestroyed
and contemplate the emptiness at the centre
being empty is the strongest delusion