Backpacking in the Wilderness
Those who venture into wilderness must divest
themselves of everything except for things
necessary for survival; spiritual wayfarers however
must divest themselves of everything.
Both may start their journey with a companion
but they soon learn they are still alone; and in
their solitude they connect with their inner being
and begin to learn who they truly are.
They both practice asceticism and quickly
learn that books and other non-essentials are
too heavy to carry on their back, and must be
cast aside as impediments to their progress.
Both sleep in tents set up on promised land
like Father Abraham, and as watchmen of the night
they contemplate the stars above their heads
and realize how small and vulnerable they are.
They both strike their tents at dawn, and like the
patriarchs of old, they journey into the land ahead
in growing states of awe and wonder - supported
by their staffs: one of wood, and the other of faith.
And they both encounter stormy nights and dark days
when the path ahead can no longer be seen in the fog
But only the spiritual wayfarer will still venture on
unafraid… by a path that is not a path…trusting.