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