Old Poetry Old Poetry Poetry • Poets • Essays • Forums •

All the time I pray to Buddha

All the time I pray to Buddha
I keep on
killing mosquitoes.

Leave a guest comment (subject to review)

    : Comment:

    Name: (required)
    Email: (required, hidden from spam)

Comments

1 - 11 of 11
  • mermaid7
    September 30, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    What if the poet were not talking of the literal killing of mosquitoes, but of ridding those things that hurt or inflicted pain in his life? Mosquitoes are takers. So, as in time of prayer, Issa may be saying that prayer strenghtens him to "kill off" things that decrease the quality of his life.


    • Artemis Gem
      May 24, 2007
      Edit | Reply
      interesting take-totally not what I would have thought of, but I like it. I took it literally, expressing how patient and self controlled he had to be while praying-
      but thats just me >.>


  • Busho
    March 21, 2006
    Edit | Reply
    Issa has really grasped the dichotomy that every man faces or the duality of our natures: wanting to do what is right but still doin what is wrong.

    col

  • ea
    July 7, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    a great comment on the irreconcilibility of the spiritual and the physical life.

  • Kitesen
    July 26, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    When people kill like animals do and ther is no God who interferes. Than is the question (prayer) not the distraction or killing but if there are mosquitos here why am I.

  • Steve83
    February 17, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    Issa was great at putting mental images into peoples minds and this poem dosn't fail to do that.

  • foetus
    February 14, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    It's not about distractions, it's about contradictions. Killing misquitoes is not Buddha's intention, it's murder!

    It's odd that our culture sees the killing of misquitoes as a distraction when we have the commandment not to kill as well. But we only relate it to humans. Killing misquitoes is ok.

    Or is it? Is it right to hate something just because it's a pest? Is it right to kill that pest if it isn't human? Does God care about the misquitoes? STP


  • February 13, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    This is simple and pure brilliance..
    It leaves me pondering.
    Let no distractions, interfere with prayer.
    *stomps

  • Ava Noire
    February 11, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    How very clever. Seems as if this person is distracted, their mind is supposed to be absorbed in prayer and meditation but they left it be invaded by outside reflections. Like when my dad is praying at the dinner table...and my stomach growls and the praying seems to take forever while the food looks so delicious

  • Smilingspider
    August 29, 2003
    Edit | Reply
    Agreed, something I often keep reminding myself.


  • AndrewHide
    August 28, 2003
    Edit | Reply
    The difference between the ideals we hold and the life we choose to live can be so vast.
    This clever little Haiku really delivers it message in full, to create a reflective and self critical piece.

    Andrew

1 - 11 of 11