A young woman in wooden shoes and a brilliant, flowered kimono played an amplified, electric koto. When I introduced myself, she saw that I had bought a recording of her music. I knew she was only trying to invite me to her next performance, but I blushed when she threw her arms around me, kissed me hard on the cheek, and said, come to my life!
***
The old scholar explained the significance of the Chinese characters, and their importance to the Buddhist ideal of non-attachment. His baggy pants were gathered by a belt hitched up to its last notch. When I said, I think you exemplify that ideal, he looked at me with his one good eye, shook his head and said, oh no, I am not like that at all. I have desires. I would like some water, he said smiling. I desire water.
***
Rumpus original art by Sam Geer.
