Self Immolation of Tibetans in Recent Days

I try to imagine what my thoughts might be if I were to set myself on fire for a cause. I am too selfish a woman and I simply wouldn’t be able but I remember stories of nuns who have been through imprisonment and amazing eye witness accounts of the famed Singing Nuns of Drapchi . Whether you and I agree or not on such sacrifices, be on different sides of the ever-raging debate on what constitutes  violence and ethics, we can acknowledge that monks and nuns have often been at the forefront of our struggle and bear horrendous consequences with much dignity and forbearance.

While You…

While you were out there, I set out on a Southern retreat

So I may become light

There was boundless angst on the rocks where pilgrims set afoot

As if drained by the burden of six million souls.

The cave is shallower and mould festers in a few sacred corners

Is it an omen of things to follow?

Daylight appears with the sounds of shrieking vultures

Their wings, claws and balding heads cover the rays in mutiny

At night the lamp burns with a listless melancholy

My eyes narrow in a trance, I see myself disappear.

Inside the holy lake

Strange imageries scar the mind and create a desolate fate

The water runs until it is but a wild stream flowing on muddied ground

I see an austere forecast written in the dirt

 Nuns shall sing and soar in flames.

While you were out there, it was then I set my body afire

so it may become your inspiration.