the little monk

from The Brothers Karamazov

by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

“This is what I think of you, you will go forth from these walls, but you will live like a monk in the world. You will have many enemies, but even your foes will love you. Life will bring you many misfortunes, but you will find your happiness in them, and will bless life and will make others bless it - which is what matters most. Well, that is your character.”

the little monk smiles and the dimples grow deep on his weathered cheeks

the little monk knows that one action affects another and one life affects another

the little monks hands are both strong and supple, calloused and tender - opposites together - parts made whole

— Trevor Scott Barton, “the little monk,” 2020