Pains

Smart one attracts more of pain,
grandpa used to say, as life 
tricks on you, mean as a wicked wizard
dancing in your way.

The shadows take you for granted,
rape the head, plunge you
into the icy lake;
your mere defense words drift Noland;

they would say you are insane. you shudder
at your weakness, to sun the truth. But the
owl knows; karma nods near you.

You just plod through the prickly field;
fire stream; one after another, as the demon
throws at you; as if a Buddhist monk 
in the path of discipline.
glancing at the karma glancing at you;
you can smile. 

©Byung A. Fallgren