Siddhartha became Buddha
Jesus became Christ
sages for the ages
whose wisdom has guided
those who have decided
these two men spoke
and continue to speak
of compassion and love
virtues we must honor above
all others
recognizing our connection
as sisters and brothers
fathers and mothers
as a world family
this is why I
honor and embrace
and can simultaneously face
the wheel of dharma
and the cross
see them side by side
where they comfortably abide
without contradiction
and with ease of conviction
I study these teachers’ lessons
maybe I’ve too simplistic a mind
yet without struggle I find
I can sit with awareness
and be sincere and true
and be just as comfortable
singing hymns from my pew
my gratitude for wisdom
is immense
it comes from so many places
so many teachings make sense
and coupling Buddhism
and Christianity
isn’t some grave insanity –
only love and compassion
will help our world heal
so at Buddha’s and Christ’s feet
I humbly and lovingly kneel.
-Marion Lyman-Mersereau