Joe Buddha

the knot
in his back
formed
from his labor
37 years
doing construction
pushing wheelbarrows
of bricks
lifting stacks
of 2X4's
holding down
the muddle
of workers --
frustrated and simple
(appalled gossips)

carried home bacon
and hugs
sufficient
at times
to fill the lives
of his dear dears
and the woman he loved
like a rock
loves the ocean
that wears it down

the spasms
in his back
started small
ended
miniscule
focus in
hone to sharp
dagger point
digging into
base of spine

and one day
critical mass
flipped
his lid
a laser sun
of energy
coursed up
and through the top
of his skull

and in a moment
of agony
so intense
the Earth screamed
to be released as witness
to his crucifixion
he was awakened