the years did to him
like they had to wines
a calmness, mellowness

-submissions to the divine
tempests, victory and loss-

they poured a shade onto him
like amber - leaves that return
a million years to shine like miracles

the halo round the buddha
circled the realms for answers
to every breath, every consciousness
before crowning him with triumph

every year of study of the sutras
brings new understanding,
new awakenings, a clearer sky
the manner vintage wine surprises (greets)
the tongue every new spring

john tiong chunghoo

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/1914-iv-the-dead-2/