Poem: "bowls of rice"

This poem was prompted by janetmiles, whose oblique reference to gaki  spawned wildly because, well, I love gaki.  This particular version shows the 'hungry ghost' who, having lived a life of greed and wastefulness, now relies on the kindness of others to feed the raging hunger.  There are various tidbits of Japanese and Chinese Buddhism tucked in here, and you can see what kind of Eastern-hero the Origami Mage is becoming.  This poem has been sponsored by marina_bonomi.

origami mage
hikes up the steep mountain road,
weary feet dragging

a neglected shrine
snags at her attention and
she pauses to pray

the incense trembles
in her hand as she lights it,
sweet smoke climbing high

a hungry ghost tugs
the hem of her robe, whining
for food and for prayers

origami mage
takes her white-and-gold paper,
folding bowls of rice

the hungry ghost feeds
on sweet rice and gentle words
offered up freely

origami mage
fills her mind with compassion
and embraces peace