We met first, you and I
in the coldest Bihar Fog
after Jesus and before
Hiuen-Tsang Tired travelers
students in residence
You lived forest side, often overslept
past the second water bell
And when I was sent to rouse you
I found, a mountain, wide-eyed
muttering mad, endless currents, empty vessels!
nonsense HOLD this Dakini in your austerity arms!
forbidden rites of forest Tantrikas
falling from your lips, by rote
centuries before
they were spoken.
I was frightened of you
until the master, reading my mind
threw his cup to the ground and cried out
Fear a charlatan?! Fear your rebirth!
