I entered with a pained heart
my soul clouding with despair
and my racing thoughts seeking silence
I looked at the flower-bedecked image
overpowered by its beauty
I absorbed the pervading incense
and listened to the holy chants
the mumbling priest came with his silver platter
and extended the flame
I reached out for the warmth
imbibed the holy water with my parched lips
donned the vermillion on my forehead
and tucked the flowers into my hair
like a warrior donning his armor
against the raging world
I walked around the nine posterns of fate
but skeptic still
unable to unlearn years of education
never questioned
I rested on the temple’s steps
reminiscing, reflecting
and stepped out
knowing I could always come back