Broken Glass

by TJ Bird Matarazzo

For the class of 2024

A Buddhist teacher was questioned by one of his students: “Master, you teach the importance of non-attachment. How can you justify having a favorite cup to drink from?”

The teacher replied, “Because I know this cup is already broken. I appreciate it in this moment, knowing that it will not last, and I must let it go. All things pass away.”

I hope your heart is full of broken glass,

sharp and jagged.

Broken like this piece I carry,

my reminder to cherish the unbroken.

Glass formed by sand formed by rock

formed by pressure, matter changing.

I give you this strange gift, auspicious:

Death comes to all things.

Treasure the sunlight

glinting in your glass, 

treasure the way its water holds

refreshment, sweetness, life.

I hope your heart carries more pieces

of broken glass than your hands could hold,

know that everything will die, and too soon,

know that whatever glass you hold dear will shatter ~

that you can only hold it in your mind’s eye,

your heart’s hands.

Know that what exists now

will not, except in how you hold it.

But do not shy from the breaking,

fearful of fragility.

Hold all of its brokenness in your heart,

treasuring it while it is whole,

and know how to let it go.

I hope your heart is always full of broken glass

reflecting and sparkling with your light,

and may your heart bleed

with all the loving of it.