If I was as enlightened as you,
These are the things I would do.
I’d stand on my head
At the foot of the bed
And recite all the sutras for you.
If I was as enlightened as you,
I’d never be lonesome and blue.
I’d walk with compassion
And ignore every fashion,
If I was as enlightened as you.

If I was as enlightened as you,
My mind would be fresh as the dew.
I’d live in the moment
And foster and foment
Right thinking and right livelihood too.
If I was as enlightened as you,
I’d keep my thoughts simple and true.
I’d sit and be still
Like the fool on the hill,
If I was as enlightened as you.

If I was as enlightened as you,
I’d start every morning anew.
Because nothing is permanent
Anywhere in the firmament
And all the whole universe through.
If I was as enlightened as you,
I’d avoid doing things that I rue.
I’d rarely eat meat
Or get drunk in the street,
If I was as enlightened as you.

If I was as enlightened as you,
I’d let go of pleasures I knew.
I’d rock with a motion
Like the waves of the ocean
And laugh at the stones in my shoe.
If I was as enlightened as you,
I’d lock my desires in the zoo.
And we’d stand there and gape
At that hairy old ape,
If I was as enlightened—
I wouldn’t be frightened
Of the thunder and lightning
Because my skies would be brightened,
And my load would be lightened,
All my sheets would be whitened,
And my screws would be tightened,
If I was as enlightened as you.

For our wedding: July 11, 2015

Copyright © 2015 by Michael Kim Roos