Blessings......
monks' bare feet walking
across the winter landscape
just walking, as meditation, as love,
as compassion, as gift -
to hearts and minds bowed down with grief
at what is becoming of our world.
Right here, right now,
a light skiff of frost on the lawn,
crocuses shivering in the morning chill,
crocuses shivering in the morning chill,
my chair, my computer, my keyboard
seeking the next poem, some hope,
the comfort in a cup of tea......
ordinary things, surrounding us,
ready to serve -
ready to serve -
small gifts, to warm the heart,
while, day after day, mile
after mile, the beautiful monks
keep walking along the icy streets.
Today it is colder, so Aloka the dog
is placed in the RV. I hope the monks
have all put on their shoes.
How thin their robes,
how large their journey,
a gift of love and light they give us
with their every measured step.
How emotional, the tears and smiles
with which they are met, by people
hungry for goodness, for kindness,
for peace in a world gone dark.
I penned this while the monks were still walking. Their walk ended February 14 when they returned to their home monastery in Texas. Such an emotional return. I was online with them their final week, could not tear myself away. The walk is over. The journey continues. No doubt, there will be more monk poems. Their walk is one of the most impactful events of my life. It spoke to my soul, which has been so hungry - like all of ours - for the beauty and hope they brought.
They say when monks walk, it is a warning, that the world is too out of balance. I was heartened by the tens of thousands of people who gathered to watch them pass, and who joined them in huge numbers at their stopping places, to hear the teachings of Bhikkhu Pannakara, about how to stay steady and find peace in the midst of turbulent times. We all fell in love with the little monk dog Aloka who walked with them.
It is sad that the walk has ended. But Bhikkhu promised we will still walk together online. If you are interested, their facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/walkforpeaceusa
On youtube, there are many beautiful videos of their walk and some beautiful songs have been made into videos. Search for Walk for Peace, Aloka, and Sy Long (for the songs). So inspiring. I cant watch any of it without tears. We carry so much grief these days.
Sherry, the monks were indeed a blessing and continue to be a blessing. I have appreciated so much your words on the monks (thank you for this poem) and look forward to reading more! They are an example to us in so many ways!
ReplyDelete"just walking, as meditation, as love,
ReplyDeleteas compassion, as gift . . . "
Those who serve, the things that serve us, the slow and steady walk that held your heart and holds it still. Thank you for this powerful poem!
What a meditative flow your words show us in their kindness and also in yours - and yes, a cup of tea can mean the world - Jae
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful, uplifting poem It shines I love your lines "a light skiff of frost on the lawn,
ReplyDeletecrocuses shivering in the morning chill,
A dark cruel world with so many hungry for peace and kindness. Indeed ! A very moving poem. Pleased that the monks received so much support
ReplyDeleteA nice rundown of the monks doings. Thank you, I'm not into.them. BTW, we live in Texas, I wasn't aware of them.
ReplyDelete..
I feel this event was only a blessing to those who are already blessed. A little like preaching to the converted. Not to diss anyone's actions to highlight inequalities and dysfunction but....is peace on its way?
ReplyDelete