Under the Bodhi Tree

for Neil on his birthday is where we begin our quest, seeking enlightenment, four revelers on a merry ferry ride, windows down to a watery wind, cold in winter, gentle in July on this occasion of a 95th year of celebration: fruitful, loving, gift-giving from a man of long tenure, a span of years he shared with us: turned- round collar, chasuble robe, bell-ringer, server at the Supper of The Lamb, still the Head of our spiritual table. The Bodhi Tree is where the Buddha is said to have entered nirvana. Bodhi Trees are planted near all Buddhist monasteries