November 2016
I fell in love with words when I started school and reading and writing have been my passion ever since. Since college my reading has been divided among philosophy, fiction and poetry. Although Indian philosophy and poetry have had the greatest impact on my reading and writing (my Ph.D is in Indian philosophy, and my books, The Indian Way, Asian Philosophies, and A Sourcebook in Asian Philosophy established my reputation in the field) Chinese and Japanese poetry have also influenced my poetic sensibilities. In recent years, as I have turned increasingly to writing poetry, I feel that I am beginning to find my own voice.
The Imagined
Imagined money looks good
Only in your dreams
Where it pays no bills.
Imagined friends offer solace
And chase away the cold
But don’t cry at your grave.
Imagined health balms no limbs
Cures no ills
Nor removes any pain
But an imagined lover
Remains in your heart
Even when your mind moves on
©2016 John M. Koller
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