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
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