HINDU TRADITION
Friends study
the god Ganesh,
an elephant man,
deity for everyman,
providing protection
and prosperity.
The friends take clay,
shape the Hindu idol--
torso, trunk and tusks--
hoping worries,
whispered
into wingèd ears,
will fly with the wind.
CALLING ALL GANESHES
Speaking to my elephant,
dropping troubles in his ear,
made me feel lighter, better.
No way I’d follow the Hindu
tradition-- after ten days
clay idols must be dissolved
so Ganesh can be formless again.
I talked it over with Ganesh, but
when his trunk shook No, I knew
I’d have to imagine my guide,
allow my biodegradable guy
to slip his way into the sea.
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