Of Monks and Monastery

I have fond memories of my four-years in a monastery. What an honor it was to live with such remarkable men. A privilege. I wish I could say I came away from the experience a virtuous man. I cannot. But I can say that I saw virtue modeled and was deeply influenced by what I saw. I learned what humility looks like, how patience and perseverance play out, the value of faithful practice, the way a committed and dedicated life is lived. I was shown the face of joy. Heard it laugh. The monastery is quiet. Peace is there. The abbey church is majestic. The chanting inspiring. But those men, the monks, they are monasticism.

In writing these haiku about the monks, I admit to indulging myself in a bit of nostalgia. The monks in real life are, or in some cases were, much more complex and human than my brief notes depict. My hope is to convey a sense of the warmness I feel toward them and the admiration and gratitude I hold for their way of life.

Of Monks and Monastery

the monastery...
random thoughts from times long past
remembered fondly

memories...events
but monks remembered as well
the community

many monks there were
here I mention but a few
merely a sampling

like...Brother Jerry
sometimes called Brother Snixy
that’s what he called things

that’s snixy, he’d say
whatever struck his fancy...
he collected things

collage of hodgepodge
in display cases arrayed...
a quaint museum

feathers, arrowheads
campaign buttons, pens, knives, coins
stuffed animals, rocks

eclectic defined...
two or more of whatever...
it seemed all to fit

multi talented
he played an instrument, too
the concertina

occasionally
atop the water tower
into his sixties

like...Brother Walter
once a promising hitter
played semi-pro ball

then came WW2
and he went into battle
survived...a changed man

he became a monk
still with that sweet lefty swing
when the monks played ball

and played ball they did
among themselves on Sundays
for recreation

his post...center field
gliding under arcing flies
gazelle-like he ran

playing with elan
his teammates he encouraged
spilling out his joy

as did all the monks
during recreation time
whatever the game

chess or volleyball
checkers or a game of Hearts
with gusto they played

listened to baseball
the Cards on KMOX
though not the whole game

many were scholars
Father Gabriel...brilliant
a polyglot he

English, German, French
Spanish, Italian, Latin
taught philosophy

Father Nicholas
taught English and coached boxing
favored mismatched socks

a huge influence
assigned my favorite book
Catcher in the Rye

quite a character...
Father Finton hunted deer
always with no luck

until that one night
waking all to see...at last
a fine ten-point buck

talented artist
Father Felix carved, painted
sculpted, wore sandals

retired abbot
a writer...Father Jerome
also built coffins

quiet and humble
Father Richard created
fiery ‘Monk Sauce’

Father Malachi
a favorite...nicknamed Goose
due to his long neck

the monks taught high school
a boarding academy
the boys only kind

the tallest of monks
Father Matthew took no guff
so learned rowdy boys

the gentlest of monks
Father Phillip could be stern
banished the rowdies

with Father Gerald
cutting up was not condoned
lab hose...back of knees

yet they were not mean
rowdies became unrowdies
cut ups soon calmed down

they learned well...did well
and return year after year
grateful alumni

there are monks who teach
others cook, wash clothes, cut hair
farm, garden, fix things

all that is needed
whatever it takes, monks do
in community

their simple motto
reads: Ora Et Labora
meaning: Pray And Work 

no matter their jobs
each day monks gather to chant
praying seven times

they chant the ‘hours’
matins, lauds, terce, sext, and none
vespers and compline

they eat together
most of the time in silence
a monk reads aloud

special occasions
like feast days or funerals
talking is allowed

there is no mourning

the monks live what they believe

death is a passage

 

holy bunch, these monks
profoundly spiritual
yet warmly human

they vow poverty
chastity, obedience,
and stability

plus a unique vow
called conversion of morals…
true to their calling

 

quietly, humbly
the monks live not for themselves
they live for mankind

unselfish their love
the salvation they pursue
is not theirs alone

it is for all men
whatever they might believe
saint and sinner both

they gather to pray
but their prayer never ceases
their life is a prayer

 

(composed 09/27/22 - 04-15-23)