Things I Carry
By Maureen Ferry
I don’t carry around much anymore. Because I really do not want to be so bothered . A small back pack works wonders. It has pockets and places for all I need a and a few empty spaces for thingsI might pick up along the way.
I carry my Medicare card because I worked and earned the right to supplement my benefits. I have keys because they open doors. I carry a flashlight. One single beam can always put me on the road if I get lost in the dark. I know it’s not really a choice, but I do carry a little food for the monkeys. They will never really go away so why fight them.
Along with these essentials I carry a camera, my notebook and pen, a book to read and the wisdom and compassion of my teachers, living here and in the next world.
Caesar, a Spanish man who gave me my first functioning 35 mm camera. At 17 years old, lying about my age, I had enrolled in the NY Institute of photography.
My only equipment was a Yashica2 by 2 single reflex box camera. It was given to me by a favorite uncle. He had won it in a poker game in France during WW II. I guess he saw the spirit I was trying to develop with an affordable totally automatic Instamatic I bought myself at the 1964/65World’s Fair in FlushingQueens.
Fast Forward to middle age. At a workshop, Nancy, a Jew told me all I needed to write was a notebook and pen. She called me a storyteller and said that I had a gift and to honor it.
My notebook and pen have knocked down walls. It shows me streets and avenues and paths to open spaces. I learned to forgive my parents, respect my ancestors and honor my own students.
I realize now that we are all gifts. Gifts to each other and guidance comes rom love and support rather than genetics.
I carry the wisdom of my Chinese Tai-ChiMasters. They taught me the true meaning of Body-Mind –and Spirit. They shared their culture and education, and showed me the way to free myself thru meditation.
But mostly they showed me how to share. In their honor I have students, constantly re-in forcing my favorite exercise. “ Student becomes the teacher, Teacher becomes the student.“ They guide me from eternity.
And for this I am grateful not frightened.
I no longer have the equipment to carry children, but I hope and pray I will never lose the ability to hold a hand. Yes, I only carry the things that are necessary now. Thanks to all my teachers. Those who taught me that “Less Is Better.“
Write your own piece following the prompt. Post it in the comments section. Then tell each other what you loved!