The Adolescent in the Monk

In my years before, I learned that things are expensive.

In my years before, I learned that places are crowded.

In my years before, I learned that people come in two kinds:

Those who ask too much, and those who charge too much.

In my years as hermit, I learned to satisfy material desire

By dismissing it.

In my years as a hermit, I learned to love empty places

For the things that made others stay away.

In my years as a hermit, I learned that our anger is misdirected

From those who make the rules

At those who make the lowest of demands.

In my years as a hermit, I learned that life is a series of inconveniences

Imposed upon us by strangers.

In my years since, I learned that it's a pain in the ass to live it.