ARE YOU A MONK?

Based on yesterday’s experience I conjured up this poem - Are You a Monk?

ARE YOU A MONK?

“Are you a monk?” a pedestrian asked

“Yes, I am, I’m not masked

From half a century I’ve been that

And walking has been my format”

Two young women asked the same

Shocked as if I’m of the hallmark fame

We’re the last of a rare species going extinct

Stunned, their mouths opened, eyes hadn’t blinked

I walked Michigan in the USA

Met a Native, I had this to say

“On this walk you’re the first Native I’ve seen”

Response: “Only monk I’ve seen was on the screen”

Common questions: Monk? Buddhist?

I’m certainly not a nudist

I’ve got my swami robes as clothes

The monastic garb for humble bros

When folks ask, “Are you a monk?”

I could say, “Definitely not a punk”

I like to play on their curiosity

Then proceed to talk of religiosity

It’s the most common query on the road

At any of the trails I’ve strode

To make it thought provoking – more clear

I’m a warrior who bears his spear

Analogous to something we call weapon

That spear is actually a form of wisdom

I’m a monk who walks to learn

And shares what’s learned and fan like a fern

I believe we all identify as a monk

One who travels light omitting much junk

The last phase of life is this cultivation

Before we move forward to our reincarnation

– By Bhaktimarga Swami

MAY THE SOURCE BE WITH YOU

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