The Wayfarer’s Code

An original poem proposing the path of explorers and adventurers alike, inspired by Three Days on a River in a Red Canoe by Vera B. Williams:

The Wayfarer’s Code

Make a list of what you need, and work towards collecting and packing up those items.

Leave behind anything that isn’t necessary.

Plan a tentative route, and a mode of transportation. But be flexible, and have multiple backup plans.

Just start walking. And then walk some more.

Set-up camp, and dig in when you need rest.

When you wake up, get started and work hard.

Feed yourself and stay warm.

Notice your surroundings and how your actions need to shift based upon those surroundings.

Discover and explore each step of the way.

Keep going, even when your search seems monotonous.

Be observant, notice what’s around you. Describe it. Write it down. Sing about it. Create.

Use a map, something that gives you direction and sense of purpose.

Learn a skill.

Have a few good recipes on hand.

Find room to sit around the fire and share stories, share life.

Pluck strength and courage from the moments you watch the stars.

Drink warm things.

Proceed in full-fledged adventure, even when it’s raining.

Expect the sun to come again.

Gaze at the promises in rainbows.

Enjoy the breeze, but fight the wind.

Stand firm among the waves.

Look just enough ahead for the next step of hope, and just enough behind to hold onto growth and good memories.

Be resilient through the trials, and grateful for consistency.