An Offering
(Deyang, China, July 2024)

Blueberries,
Like plums a century ago,
Sat cold and inviting,
In a bowl
On a stand.

I took a handful,
They were fresh,
Delicious.

“They are not washed”
My mother-in-law indicated,
She scooped up
A much larger bowl,
Washed it,
Placed it before me

Then she refilled the bowl
Of offerings
Before the living Buddha’s
Photograph.

I munched
Bemused
Without a thought
Or eternal retribution.

Ihor Pidhainy is a teacher and a writer. His poetry has been published by Wildsound, Quarter Press, Litbop and Merion West Poetry