The Neon Buddha
This book contains a collection of poems and short stories written over a period of years with at least one half of the poetry written just before I moved to Oregon in 2002. I was surprised because they came to mind while I was packing for my move.
The signature poem for the book is
entitled "In the Light of the Neon Buddha," and I have inserted it below.
Note: A new edition of The Neon Buddha was
published in
December 2004 by Author House.
Smoke from Kim Li's cigarette curled
around the head of the Neon Buddha
as he smiled down from his perch upon the wall.
Customers sat mesmerized, and then were alarmed
When the cigarette ash looked like it would fall.
Dropping blessings from above,
Smiling happiness, giving love.
Kim Li knew the Buddha's secret
And her belief had fared her well.
Long ago, she was fortunate enough to be
influenced by his magic spell.
That's why he was revered,
and never would be moved
From where he reigned over his domain
Of curlers and perms of hairdresser fame.
The Buddha was Kim Li's good luck charm.
She knew she was protected and safe from harm.
So Buddha baby smiled down
from his perch upon the wall.
His divine light granting
Good luck and blessings to us all.
When I was in Eugene, Oregon in October 2001, my friend and I ate lunch at a restaurant named The Morning Glory Cafe. This poem is dedicated to the staff at that restaurant, with blessings.
The Beauty Beast
(inspired from a poster
at the Morning Glory Cafe
in Eugene, Oregon)
Defeat the Beauty Beast
Don't let them have a feast
Of pancake makeup and
ruby lipped attire.
Instead of that, just show
a healthy golden glow
not cluttered up with
superficial mire.
The best of you and me
is very plain to see
with eyes wide open
and hearts wide open too.
Inside we're all the same.
There's no reason to feel shame
although we're tall, we're fat, we're thin,
and many shades of skin.
The beauty experts say
we have to change our ways,
our size, our looks, our attitude.
But aspiring to be real
has definitely more appeal
than trying to conceal
who or what we are.
There's no mistaking
No matter what they say,
Each of us is a star
in our very own way.
In September 2003, the National Organization of
Poetry awarded the following poem, "Prayer" an Editor's Choice
Award. It will be recorded on a forthcoming CD set of 33 poems that will be
narrated against a background of meditation music. The CD set is
entitled "The Sound of Poetry."
Prayer
In every minute of the day
I pray to God to show the way
For me to have faith, hope and love
Plus gratitude for blessings from above.
It's not enough to say the words
Without feeling what I need to feel.
To convey the meaning deep inside
Buried so deep, I cannot heal.
I pray for strength, surrender, too
In everything I say and do,
To be a rock, to turn the tide
Against ridicule and shame
still deep inside.
I pray to God to help me stand
With courage and without compromise
Until the day He extends His hand
To lead me into Paradise.
This book of poetry can be purchased from Amazon.com, or Barnes and Noble online, or any bookstore in your area. Just ask for The Neon Buddha, by Suzann Stahl, and they will order it for you. The revised book was published by Author House in December 2004. You can also order it online here: Author House.