Teaching has sat upon me. Heavily. The weight of being tied down and drowning in chronic stress. It’s no way to live. But recently in fourth grade we taught a poetry unit. Typically poetry is not my favorite although I majored in English literature in university. But we taught a particular poet that resounded in me infinitely because it summed up perfectly why I travel.
Travel as Poetry
Travel is poetry, and I am a poet. Sometimes in words. Sometimes in footsteps. Always with appreciation and reverence and trust. Always open to the possibility of meeting someone new, and learning from them. Walking with eyes open and full of stars.
This year in 4th grade we read the poem The Kavikanthabharana by the poet Kshmendra. The words resonated deeply in my soul. If I had a life motto this would be it:
A poet should learn with his eyes
the forms of leaves
he should know how to make
people laugh when they are together
he should get to see
what they are really like
he should know about oceans and mountains
in themselves
and the sun and the moon and the stars
his mind should enter into the seasons
he should go
among many people
in many places
and learn their languages
Kshmendra – from Kavikanthabharana
I have considered myself a bit of an odd traveler before. I am not interested in luxury travel. It doesn’t interest me much to go to resorts or places to relax, or to challenge myself physically. I am interested in knowing how the people live, and seeing which things are necessary. I like to appreciate the places I go, loving the flowers and plants and trees. Loving the moon and connecting with nature where I can. I love meeting people and having conversations, hearing a different perspective. Speaking in English or Spanish or a little bit of Portuguese.
The Art of Pilgrimage
I once hiked a portion of the Appalachian trail, keeping a trail journal online which I would update when I could. My writing recorded the things I saw, how I felt and the people I met. What I treasured most was not the views from the tops of mountains (although, of course, those were lovely!), but the conversations and moments of connection with the people I met.
I have had a difficult time with this blog precisely because I don’t travel to be a guide, I travel to be led, a worshiper of the world, in the way God is integrated into the world, the way God shows up through people met along the way. A student of all there is.
I travel to see God wherever I look, to see omens and to be able to share a portion of that beauty.
I’ve always been a bit of a pilgrim in that way. A poet.
