There were children fleeing broken countries with their families long before the current Ukraine crisis. The estimated total of displaced children on the move globally is 50 million: a staggering number, each statistic a fearful child taking extreme risks for the chance of a better life. (American Psychological Association) The ancient Metta Sutta is famous […]
mother
Not Even His Mother
No one could breathe for him.Hauled onto the curb as if he were dead already. Heavy as a bag of sand at a construction site. Still human, sucking the steel-tipped teeth of men. Gathered around his neck.They say that you had enemies.Perhaps he was one of them.They say you had a background. Maybe that is why your mother’s blood […]
Sewn by Mom
Below the diamond shaped cloudsof a Tug Hill sunset, lying next to hisdog, with soft fingers asleep inside two heart shaped patches, where the moon barely creeps in and hissweet olive black eyes said goodnightonce or twice already. You probably kissed my forehead and looked at mewith that look you will never see yourself. George Cassidy Payne is […]
My Journey to Become a Monk
In Bangladesh, a short term monastic experience is highly regarded by every male Buddhist. Some join the monastic order permanently as a result, while others may give up the aspiration of monkhood to fulfill personal obligations. In 2003, after receiving permission from my parents, I entered into monastic life at the age of 15. It […]