YOU WERE EVERYTHING TO US

Sunday, September 6th, 2026

Barrie, Ontario

This is my official offering to Prabhupada, our guru, for his Vyasa Puja, his birth anniversary which was yesterday – a poem.

YOU WERE EVERYTHING TO US

I was there in the crowd in Atlanta

You were everything to us

There was that walk in the park

I tried to catch any word of yours

But I just did not succeed

Your assistants surrounded you

It was not at all audible

And I was a shy guy

In Detroit you were very happy

The Fisher Mansion had become ours

The walk was not possible

Rain made it so restrictive

It became a drive through Belle Isle

In those days I drove, so I was behind

The back of your head was visible

For the absolute whole time

Then, there was a morning in Chicago

At a park by Lake Michigan

You trekked the trail gracefully

There was an entourage that followed

Then Vishaka held up her camera

You posed, devotees fussed with your shawl

I heard you loud and clear

“You cannot satisfy all of the people all of the time”

In my hometown, Toronto

We had acquired that big church

You sent a telegram – “Great triumph!”

Then you came to personally see

Were taken to Taylor Creek Park

Water flowed, all was green – serene

You spoke some words – out of earshot

But I was so glad you came

People are surprised I never spoke to you

I am your student, but no exchange

What would I say?  I was a shy guy

But I heard your classes

And I was there to see you walk

I sleep in the room where you slept

My best sleep comes when I hear a recording

I am blessed like anything

Now, in a fast forward, I’m getting around

There’s been many flights, rides, and walks

I’ve been to many towns, forests, fields, deserts

I know you are with me always

We never talk, but I know you’re there

I am more experienced now – still shy

Some say I’m an extrovert, well maybe

I do know I’m a rascal and I’ve got a lot of cleaning to do inside

– By Bhaktimarga Swami

MAY THE SOURCE BE WITH YOU

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