In Memory of Thich Quáng Dác

Lotus Flower/Photo by he zhu on Unsplash
Used in Buddhist Teaching to symbolize the Spiritual Path

How do I honor you in a world 

that’s forgotten your sacrifice, 

your prayer for peace

and acceptance?

I was a child when you

sat on that Saigon street

amidst a flash of fire.

Later I learned you gave

your life in protest,

not of war, but of a cruel

lack of religious freedom

at the hands of a ruler

labeled a devout catholic.

I’ve worn that same label

for years. How can that be?

Your final letter begged

compassion, tolerance, equality.

I pray that same prayer daily.

Now the whole world is on fire. 

While not  as brave as you, every

morning I step into the flames 

with your petition 

on my lips and in my heart.