my neighbor, buddha

i pass a house with a buddha on the deck
white ceramic under a blue roof
and think everyone should wear
their religion on their porch,
every window hold a truth.

painted on a wall:
"We hear
dead people
but don't believe
in hell."

a little white sign
scrambling up a ladder:
"Heaven this way
no turning back."

my porch would display
a brush of maples, stars
and crosses carved into
their skin.
a statement:
"You haven't lived
until you've heard trees scream."

there would be a tall mirror
a reflection almost unnoticed
and underneath:
"When this soul
has no body
you'll continue
looking past me."

i'd imagine my neighbor's
scribbled on a door:
"This apartment
remains empty."

or perhaps a warning
on a welcome mat:

"No god will ever
bless this house."