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 hopes to be like the alpine blueberry plant, called Asiavik in the Iñupiaq language of the far northwest, because it is helpful and hopeful, giving nourishment to the humble Arctic mouse to the shy caribou, being there even in the deep winter

the little monk knows every living thing has 2 billion beats to give to the world, and he tries to let each of his heartbeats share beauty, ingenuity and wonder

the little monk was taught that the end of all knowledge should be service to others

the little monk sees that the best way to help others know YOU is to share your life with THEM

on Maundy Thursday, the little monk smiles and waves at people, believing this is one way to wash their feet

- the little monk, by Trevor Scott Barton, 2020