Ladakh, 1994

White daisies on the wasteland

Like a diamond

That shines in the morning snow

This dark face

A face that has been cursed by fate

Poverty and cold follows me everywhere

I pray to Buddha or the gods

Hear my prayer

Please bestow unto me shiny pearls

And cloths as soft as clouds

Please bestow unto me

Lifetime happiness and peace

Oh blue sky

Hey soaring eagle

You have traveled mountains and rivers

You are my hero

I am a penniless boy

Selling tree branches to survive

The setting sun sheds light on my bare feet

They are like my burning hope

One day

I will meet that man of fortune

Who will take me away from poverty

To a land of peace and joy

One day

I will meet that man of fortune

Who will take me away from poverty

To a land of peace and joy

This lamp was everything that poor girl had

This wild flower in your hand is a priceless gem

A thought of pure giving

Shall awaken you from the dark night of poverty

And lead you to the bright nation of truth goodness and beauty