Fr. Stan Swamy: A Seed

Stan Swamy: who were you?

A priest, a prophet, or a social activist?

Perhaps all of them and much more. 

 

Fr Stan, you were a man for the poor 

Strength for the marginalized

Voice for the voiceless

Power for the powerless

Staff for the fallen and,

A consciousness in an unconscious, 

dead and corrupt society.

 

You lived your religious charism,

Perfecting love for God and neighbour, 

Blending faith and works together.

Your love and commitment for the poor

Was a lamp on a hilltop, shining brightly. 

God was in your heart

And people in your deeds. 

You fearlessly dedicated your life 

to the poor and marginalized tribals of India. 

 

Some evil and arrogant powers 

Could not tolerate the awareness and growth of the powerless tribals. 

Because this exposed the mighty's greed and injustice.

 

Thus, they imprisoned you,

But they did not know that you are a Voice, 

That cannot be fettered by chains. 

 

They restricted your movements 

But they did not know that you are Light,

That cannot be imprisoned by iron bars.

 

They buried you under many false allegations

But they did not know that you are a Seed

That will give birth to a hundred other Stans.