From the stratified unknown
the earthly stem sprouts.
Flushed with shades of nutritious greens,
the flowers give birth to beauty.
The blooms bring life
to all that's mighty.
Sitting atop his floral thrown
with legs curled in like the petals below.
Soft and delicate like a cloud in the sky.
But layers of silk hang heavy,
encasing his limbs from neck to feet.
Comfortable upon his plush bud
as delicate winds whistle.
Loose attire find themselves
lost in the stream.
Subdued blends of warm and cool
mingle in his presence.
An artifact of nature
high above, but at peace with those below.
He watches from beyond
with the purest of lens.
A golden bowl grasped in palm
coats his elegance in power.
What is within remains unknown.
His nectar of choice undisclosed.
Lackluster to the eye
muted effects of gold spread to every ornament.
Large golden hoops suspend from his earlobes.
Substantially weighty,
they stretch the ears to full extension
bridging the gap between head and shoulders.
He raises his right arm
while grasping a token
with multi-colored ribbons fluttering in its trail.
Showering those beneath
with his judicious influence.
His scalp is wrapped in knots of white
tucked behind both ears
and flooding down the front of his chest.
Upon the bandage he wears a crown of prestigious power
that blends into a holy backdrop.
Surrounding his head
the halo of heavenly being.
As petals flowing in the breeze
he is one with the earth.
Not emerging from the sky,
but flourishing from human terrain.
(Tang 3/23/19, Unknown Artist (Tibet), Padmasambhava as Loden Choksé, 17th Century)
