Turtle Talk

Buddha Follows the Swerving State Van

The rebellious driver

No lines does he follow.

Laughter.

Death.

*Context.  While driving out to Rosebud for the Indian Law field trip, several students (e.g., Brandi Gant and Anna Limoges) write a Buddha poem about my driving skills.  They text it to Bo Bearshield who is riding with me in the state van.  He reads it aloud.  I chuckle.

The entire class (and several other patrons) are eating lunch at Subway in Winner, S.D. at the eastern edge of the Reservation.  Without thought or warning, I announce, ‘hey, listen up everybody.  Bo is going to recite a Buddha poem.’  To my surprise, Bo stands up and reads it.  There is spontaneous laughter and applause.

Buddha stays with us for the rest of the trip.

Peace,

Frank Pommersheim