Sitting at the window,
I see,
The frangipani tree across the road
Laden with clusters of
Soft, white and cream flowers
so soothing and sublime
putting forth a pleasant, fragrant scent.
It fills my heart with peace and tranquility.
The five petalled flowers,
Bring to mind, the five precepts.
The flowers, they fall off gently, silently,
All five petals together, not apart,
Making room for the buds
To blossom as beautiful,
When their time is ripe.
The once beautiful frangipani flowers
Lie lifeless, underneath the tree.
I contemplate – just as these flowers
Blossom and die,
our bodies undergo decay,
And as old flowers fade and fall
Anger and hatred must fall away.
All things are impermanent
The truth is seen -
There is no place on earth,
Beyond the realm of death.
Rupa Wijesinghe