Payout

Post author By Ptc
Post date August 20, 2017
14 Comments on Payout

My friend warns me:
“You’d better get ready.
The Chinese are coming
For their money.
Why aren’t our schools teaching Chinese
Instead of Spanish?
We’re going to be so unprepared
When they come for their money.”

I wonder:
Will they bring mulberries and jade?
Astragalus for my immune system?
Imperial moths for my silk collection?
Ink for drawing plum blossoms?
Will seven Buddhist missionaries
Convert my multi-tasking mind
To thinking one thought at a time?
Will they be satisfied with my
One cup of tea with a teaspoon of honey
One poem
One painting
One song
One friend
One handful of coins in an open-faced palm?

ptc

14 replies on “Payout”

Ptc,

“One handful of coins in an open-faced palm?”

I suspect this poem has nothing to do with the un-balance of trade,
nor the ever present “made in China”. I see it as a celebration of
the jade, the plum blossoms, and the silk. Separating the people
from the political is a tough task, but I believe your poem does that
beautifully.

Thank you.

Sarah

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Oh, Sarah. I almost didn’t publish it, not knowing if my heart shows itself strong enough. You, thank you very much, got it. And your use of the word “silk” here has given me another line, if I may. ptc

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Most certainly…we exist to inspire each other!!

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added two lines for syntactical symmetry…you do inspire me, with your own poetry and your comments to us.
ptc

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Ptc,

Your poem, and your kind reply makes the stars shine brighter tonight.

Thank you!

Sarah

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What a beauty this is. I’ve read it three times, & I love where it takes me. Thank you, dear poet. Your writing blesses.

Jan

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Thank you, Jan. Look forward to more of your writings. ptc

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Hi Ptc

I love the way this poem thinks and progresses — form those fearing a culture/people from personal profiling to the open hearted/.handed poet who sees the beauty of a people identified with art, healing, wisdom and
restraint. I especially like how you are receptive to what you can learn from them

”
Will seven Buddhist missionaries
Convert my multi-tasking mind
To thinking one thought at a time?”

and how you wonder if they will be satisfied, encouraged by one person opening herself
and her talent to them in return.

You make a wonderful statement about seeing the best in humanity. Lovely details and phrasing.

Thank you!
Wendy

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The poem lists some things that would add beauty
and serenity to our lives.

In these lines:

“Will seven Buddhist missionaries
Convert my multi-tasking mind
To thinking one thought at a time?”

I could not help but think, I wish
something could help my multi-tasking mind take a slower
pace sometimes.

Much enjoyed reading.
take care,
Kerri

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Dear Ptc

This is truly elegant. You convey such an organic Buddhist attitude that any Chinese who were offered this as their payout would, I expect, be quite intimidated by its non-violence!

Really, it’s striking, beautiful and koan-like.

Well done.

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