Buddha Annapurna

There was already a full moon
And a snowy peak behind
Then you read from Buddha
Reminding all to be kind

Respect is key to happiness
Giving away leads to wealth
Think kind thoughts about others
To enjoy your own fine health

Simple truths from Gautama
About the middle way
Passed down through sutras
Seekers chanting each new day

I often wonder how it feels
To sit under a single tree
A seed a day towards enlightenment
The mind roams peaceful and free

In the village I wander
Maybe treading in his step
Humble confident and searching
To the others, offering help

They’ve walked this path
So many times now
With others much like you
Sandals or rubber boots
Packs filled unnecessarily

Donkey trains bring water jugs
Propane to the cook fires
Gee and haw along the trail
Simply follow the one in front
Who allegedly knows the way

Indeed lead mule walks simply
By intuition and repetition
And even muscle memory
Towards the sun in the morning
Downhill in afternoon

Do they call each other cousins?
Parents, friends or kin?
Or are they a collective without ego
Ritual or sin?

A collective hauling comfort
Up to rustic places
Nodding along with the rhythm
Not even bothered to
Glances backwards at your faces