Pictures at Nara: Kofuku-ji Temple

Buddha Riding

on a lion’s back.

.

Jizo’s Vow

“no hope for me
(the bald man says)
“before the others

.

The Guardian (I)

his head bent,
fingers twisted
forward

.

The Guardian (II)

veins
in his arms
about to
burst

.

The Young Guardian

smooth-faced,
a cobra
on his head

.

A Protector Against Poisons

like a rain god
& his face
a hawk’s


.


Ashura (I)

4 faces
& 6 arms


.


Ashura (II)

a lamp atop
his head
a snake around
his neck

eyes staring out

.


Ashura (III)

horned head
& screaming
set to heave
his lamp

.

A Buddha

naked,
as the day when he
was born

19.v.04