The Golden Pagoda

By luigi_pagano

Tue, 17 Jul 2018
  • 802 reads
2 comments
 

I always enjoy tales from afar;
the other day I came across
the story of the Golden Pagoda located in Yangon, Myanmar.

Legend has it that the Buddha
met two merchants brothers who became his first disciples
to be followed by many others.

From him the siblings received
a strand of eight of his hairs
and stored in a golden casket
if the myth is to be believed.

When King Okkalapa opened
the box containing the hairs
incredible things happened:
gems rained until knee deep.

Looking to find the same spot
where the relics of the previous
three reincarnations of Buddha
were buried, they found a plot.

It was high on Singuttara Hill
and it was there that they built
the revered Swedagon Pagoda
covered with diamonds and gilt.

This golden sacred temple
that has undergone much drama,
often pillaged during conflicts,
dominates the Yangon panorama.

© Luigi Pagano 2018

Certificate U
Poetry Monthly
Mutevoli pensieri
Historical Fiction

Comments

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

You have a knack at making a concisely readable verse precis of history or myth. I don't like the idea of these ornate 'temples'!

I thought maybe you were going to work a bit more on 'Silence is golden' and repost??
Rhiannon

 

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

I am fascinated by ancient history and legends and often inspired to write about particular events, real or imaginary.
The architecture of some of those ornate temples can appear unusual to western eyes and therefore attract interest regardless of the religion they represent.
I withdrew the piece you mention as I thought it too weak and insubstantial but the concept is still at the back of my mind and I might have another go.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Rhiannon.

L:uigi x