"Something that will not acknowledge conclusion insists that we forever begin."
from Brendan Kennelly's poem "Begin".
The year begins, not at all hopeful,
and yet......
in the early morning light, nineteen monks
chant prayerfully before setting out
on their journey across America,
walking for peace, for compassion,
bringing hope for better times
in their kind eyes.
Beautiful spirit-dog Aloka, a being of
unutterable love, walks beside them,
light on his paws, jauntiness in his tail.
This journey is met with tears
by people so hungry for kindness, for beauty,
in a year beginning even darker than the last,
as we watch leaders repeat the horrors
of the past, having learned nothing
about peace, or how to be happy
just being.
Bless the monks on their journey of compassion,
who are cold and tired with aching feet
they never mention and quietly bandage each night.
Two or three are walking barefoot
to make their offering even stronger.
Their gift is so great. They lift my heart.
They help me believe - that goodness
will always triumph in the end, because
the alternative is not livable.
Day by day, I will pace my small rooms
in spiritual community with the beautiful monks.
I will send out compassion and kindness
and hope. Each morning,
like the beautiful monks,
I will begin again.
for Sumana's prompt at What's Going On: BEGINNINGS
How beautiful Sherry! There's so much calmness in the lines, like the peace walk itself. I so love the resolution "I will begin again."
ReplyDeleteYour focus on the monks and their dog is brilliant. Each morning to begin again! I love this: "They help me believe - that goodness
ReplyDeletewill always triumph in the end, because
the alternative is not livable.
Day by day, I will pace my small rooms
in spiritual community with the beautiful monks."
Love your beautiful reflection on the monks with their dog. And the last line is powerful 'Each day I will begin again'. Marja dutchcorner
ReplyDeleteI so respect how you highlight the threats to the world and show us that there are people (and indeed animals) who take up the mantle - Jae
ReplyDeleteSherry, that hope is what sustains us. Peace, strength, and best wishes for this coming year. I wonder if the best way to outlast the orange cloud, is to accept that we can still find joy each day, and not led their atrocities define how we approach other beings on this earth. ~
ReplyDeleteYes, that is what we have to focus on - there are so many good people. But it is horrifying to watch the complete abandonment of laws, rights, due process, and love of violence. Never thought it could hapen in America. (We have some in Canada too, just not as many.)
DeleteI love these lines they are uplifting and full of positive energy. It's the best way to start the day in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteI will send out compassion and kindness
and hope. Each morning,