Ode to a Buddha

Rama:
You were like a father to me when I needed one:
You taught me nobility;
You taught me grace;
You taught me impeccability and poise;
You taught me to respect women
As well as myself;
You taught me balance and laughter;
You taught me to appreciate beauty and stillness;
And
Most importantly
You taught me the exquisiteness of pure light.

For most, these qualities are but words,
But for myself and many, many others
You made these words a reality.
For all of this,
I am forever in your debt.

Please forgive me
For my egotism,
For my anger,
For my laziness,
and for my doubts.

My only wish now
Is that I may study with you once again...
And I will try harder.

May all sentient beings come to
Understand your teachings,
And follow their Dharma to perfect bliss and beyond.

Om Mani Padmi Hum

-- John P. Gray