Above is a picture of Damian Kozak, a young Dutch man in our Teaching Monks Project. In the photo, he's about to eat a bug! The poem below is about his experiences so far during his travels.
Dedicated to my flip-flops:
“Everywhere I go, you go”
There are so many places we do visit,
no places stay unseen.
A lot of miles we have behind us,
and still so far to go.
The footsteps I am taking,
are different than at home.
I left behind what is beloved,
and also what I fear the most.
But eventually, to travel is never to arrive.
Right here, right now,
I feel unlimited happiness and gratefulness,
for the places where you take me.
I experience great adventures,
and meet a lot of amazing people,
with whom I share my happiness.
This is all because of you.
You never complain,
though you bear a lot of weight.
Always there when I need you,
from the steep mountains till the deep blue coast.
I am not looking for the answers,
to the questions I do have.
You have only known me for a short time,
but you are carrying my honest heart.
Now the love I try to spread is true,
although I regret the people I have harmed.
My time up here is precious,
as I find it hard to leave behind.
More than ever I know I have to carry on,
and face the shadow in my mind.
My friend, thank you for bringing me there,
where I want to be the most.
Your traveling companion,
D.K.