James Moore Poet Narrative

Notes About The Poem

Nonsectarian

Nonsectarian
(for Charlie)

A friend asked me recently if I’m still a Buddhist
And I replied no
Without telling him I’m beyond labels.
To me Buddhism and Christianity are no different
In being just different expressions of dharma,
Dharma being Sanskrit for truth.

Today I heard a Buddhist prayer 
Of wishing to become the kind of being
Who makes everyone happy to just see.
And I laughed out loud
And thought, “Hell yeah!”
I want to be that kind of person.

And not to just make them happy,
But to laugh, and play, relax and 
Loosen the chains
That bind their heart.

I know I’m not that person today,
But I thought of someone who was,
And how all over the world
Those chains are now loosening
And people are feeling strong and free
Even as they cry in grief.

(9/13/25)

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