Sacred Destinations

By Justine C. Tajonera

There is a temple worth
my whole life's pilgrimage:
it is built small and sturdy,
the bells that peal
from this place
are magical.

There are no
pithy prayers here
or beautifully written
koans or mantras.

The view is
cramped and narrow
but beautiful
beyond
description.

It is when he wraps
his arms around me
when he cries,
when he wants
to rest his forehead
on my shoulder.
It is when he peeks
at me,
looking straight into
my eyes
with no questions,
it is when he laughs
with pure delight
because
I am
there.

(Sept. 21, 2009)