I was invited to write a poem of instruction. Maybe some words of wisdom to my older self. Something I want to remind myself later to remember. Maybe on how to be a pilgrim or an artist or a creative or a monk, or how to be a writer or a contemplative…

I am not sure I know…

Mary Oliver says “Pay attention”
so see, hear, feel, taste, touch, perceive
go slow so you don’t miss anything

Record, she says “Tell about it”
God tells me to proclaim and witness
though I am not sure what that means
share, I guess

Perceive the sun setting
the dimming light
feel it, see it, taste it
What does a sunset taste like?

Be open
to both new
and old

Pack lightly
trust that the journey will provide
yet always bring pen and paper

Bring friends
and meet friends
and also leave friends
sometimes not everyone can go
where you need to go

Wonder
wonder day
and night

And then follow
be an adventurer
the labels don’t matter
go where the wonder
takes you

Take your faith with you
not as tether
but as a light

Remember
remember what you know
and be willing to add to
that stockpile of inner wisdom

You will be afraid
go anyway
find a way to go anyway
you can be afraid at home
or you can be afraid
on the adventure of a lifetime
pick the latter

Eat good food
whenever you can

Be willing to cry
and acknowledge
that you will probably
stub your toe
a few times along the way
no worries
keep going

Don’t always look outside yourself
look inside too
sometimes what you are looking for
is already there

Be willing to lighten
the load as necessary
somethings will be
too heavy to carry
it is okay
to just drop them
and let them lie

Be kind
and loving to yourself
you have never
been here before
show grace
accept grace

And have fun
be silly
laugh
and then laugh some more
even when people are watching
who knows
they may laugh with you
and how wonderful is that.