Today, Thai civil society mourns the loss of Wanida (Mod) Tantiwittayapitak, who has died after a long illness. A passionate champion of social justice since her student days 30 years ago, she and her courageous commitment will be greatly missed by the thousands who admired her activism. Prachatai offers this translation of a poem that she wrote a few years ago as a tribute to a firefly whose light will always inspire.
The Intention of Fireflies
...I am a firefly
I will glow when all is dark
I will fly about here and there
Quietly watching over the unfolding of things
Equanimity I will have at what I see
No joy, no sorrow over sadness or pleasure
I pray for those who suffer and myself
To be free from the chains of desires and misfortunes
I pray for my parents, my generation and the next
Like fireflies
That all shine upon the path of righteousness
Together with millions of fireflies
I will weave my light and spirit to replace the stars
When the sun shines bright
All the fireflies shall vanish....
Wanida Tantiwittayapitak
20 September 2003
Inspired by a meditation retreat at a Goenka Vipassana Meditation Centre
Translated by Pipob Udomittipong
Related Article: Straight to the Point: A lifelong 'troublemaker' worthy of our respect
