In this section of the book, The Pilgrimage, Paulo tells us about the crimes and robberies committed along The Road to Santiago. Knights began protecting travellers but there was a time the knights competed among themselves. They would challenge each other and do the fighting on a bridge to ensure they did not retreat.
However, I like the last comment by our host, Chèvrefeuille, as it reflects so much of his selfless dedication to hosting haiku meme where poets from all over the world unite and form a family.
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“Bridges … bring people from different sides together, in a way our Haiku Kai can be compared with a bridge. Here we come together, haiku poets from all over the globe … we have build virtual bridges from a lot of countries to here … and I am proud of it.” Chèvrefeuille at Carpe Diem Haiku Kai
Beyond control … that’s the title of this episode …. And it refers to something I read in “The Pilgrimage”. During his journey, his pilgrimage, Paulo encounters several difficulties beyond control. One day he is attacked by a horrible dog and he remains with wounded hands. That same dog encounters him many times and one day he goes to a gypsy fortuneteller to ask her why this dog is so many times on his path. It turns out that this dog is his demon, his back-pack, he still has to carry. That dog will leave him alone only when he conquers his fears, his pride, his greed and more. CDHK: Beyond Control
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Life has been strained lately. Thank goodness, her passion for her work in serving is still alive and well. However, day to day life is tainted with should’s and should nots at so many levels; it feels like walking in a maze where only rats seem to know there way around. She tries not to bump into any toxic pillars in her daily life.
And so, she decides to imagine herself an innocent caterpillar on a tree branch trying to rest peacefully until a flock of crows decide to have a cawing party in her tree! It is getting fairly loud listening to them try to out caw each other. She is trying very hard to blend with the colours of the branch so she is not part of their party snacks. She is feeling a bit too exposed yet nowhere to go.
caterpillar halts
powerless and trapped
fear prevails
She then decides to fight the good fight and confront her fears. Her sword is laughter that turns later to beauty. She shares humorous scenarios with some friends and together their laughter breaks down the power of her fears. No longer feeling threatened, she retreats into her own world of beauty.
Walking along the narrow path through the mountains, we feel a soft breeze. Cautiously, looking over my shoulder from time to time, the journey seems much longer now that I know I must meet up with a huge challenge.
scanning high and low
even the clouds seem daunting
demons etched throughout
scanning high and low
sniffing the air around me
danger has a scent
even the clouds seem daunting
fear listens attentively
danger has a growl
demons etched throughout
imagination running wild
gets the best of me
Travelling long distances is something new for her. She would travel far to get to one destination only and come back. But now she travels and sometimes takes detours to get to a destination. The time to be there is vague…she tries not to depend on tight schedules. She knows somehow thy will be done. Perhaps some of her guru’s philosophy is rubbing off on her. She knows she has to learn her way and though through guidance, mantras or prayer, readings…these are simply tools to help interpret life around her….the one she was blind to.
(troiku)
walking warily
faith keeps her from falling
icy footpaths
walking warily
mindful of her goal
que sera sera
faith keeps her from falling
patience
lifetime practice
icy footpaths
more lessons to be learned
sitting or standing
She was raised with a strict Catholic upbringing. She remembers her Grand-Maman beading her rosary every night. She now rolls each bead when chanting a mantra, a gift from her guru, Divine Mother, Amma. And yet reading The Pilgrimage she finds more parallels than differences in the lessons presented compared to Amma’s wise tales teaching her devotees.
Today, as she was walking out of the Métro Rosemont, she noticed a young woman limping and her heart sank seeing her twisted foot in a heavy winter boot. Usually she would start chanting her mantra with a person in mind but for some reason as she walked out onto the street, she started reciting the Lord’s Prayer, ten Hail Mary’s and Glory Be to the Father. What made her do it felt natural…she was asking Mother Mary to help this young woman and at least give her a good day today. She had not recited these prayers in a while and she was not surprised…it felt natural and right.
She looks at the wooden rosary she brought home from her mother’s bedroom and sets aside her beads before retiring…
prayers or mantras
many different words
same Golden Rule
Long ago, she remembers sipping her loose leaf tea with her Grand-Maman late one night in her kitchen. After she was finished sipping her tea, her grandmother would take her cup.
Tipping towards her
decrypting my future
cup of tea leaves
tipping towards her
tell telling patterns
messages appear
decrypting my future
shape of a mail box
a letter awaits