Transcendent

Holes speckle across its ancient lid
A constellation of luminous stars
Slickly glossed in crimson varnish
Intricately etched
Its golden clasp reflecting iridescent embers
Glowing like fluorescent bulbs

Fragrant aromas, biotic
Enhancing my mood, elation
Meditative
My mind soars to a silky horizon

Memories of past lives
Mischievous monks in mandarin robes
Magnificent monasteries
Special, sacred
Traditions of old

Then, abruptly interrupted by reality
The present tightly clasps
Its icy fingers around me