Dome of the Hidden Pavilion by James Tate

Author:James Tate
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2015-06-08T16:00:00+00:00

Buddha

I lay on the couch reading my book when the doorbell rang.

I got up and went to the door. I opened it. There was the post-

man with a large package in his hand. I greeted him and signed

for the package. I didn’t know what it was. I took it inside

and laid it on the table. I got a knife from the drawer and

started to open it. When I took it out of the packing there was a large

statue of Buddha inside. I set it on the table and stepped back

to admire it. It was quite beautiful, though I couldn’t figure

out why anybody would send it to me. I thought no more about it

and went back to reading my book. A while later Perry called me.

He said, “Did you get my Buddha?” I said, “Yes, but I didn’t know

you sent it.” “Don’t worry about that. I’ll be by in a while to

pick it up,” he said. “But I like it,” I said. “Don’t worry

about that. I’ll get you another one,” he said. I felt perturbed,

but I didn’t know what to do about it. I went back to reading

my book. I fell asleep on the couch and dreamed of Buddha saving

my life. I was in a tree with tigers all around me. Buddha

came and tamed the tigers. I climbed down and petted them. Then

there was a knock on the door. I woke up and answered it. Perry

said, “How are you doing? I’ve come for the Buddha.” “But you

sent it to me. I thought it was a present,” I said. “I told you,

I’ll get you another one,” he said. “But I like this one,” I said.

“You can’t have this one. This one’s special,” he said. “But

that’s what I like about it,” I said. “I’m sorry, Frank. I have

to have this one. I’ll get you one that looks just like it,” he

said. “But, Perry, this one means a lot to me,” I said. “This

one is packed with dope. You don’t want that, do you, Frank?” he

said. I froze and turned away. I thought of all the good he had

done for me in my dream. And now to think he was smuggling dope.

“Take him away,” I said. “He’s yours.” Perry grabbed him and

carried him out the door. I said, “Perry, I don’t want another

one.” He said, “Why not?” “You never know where they’ve been,”

I said. He laughed and drove off. I stood there and stared at

the sunset.

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