An Angle of Light

Yesterday, as is the custom, the group here had a farewell brunch for me. We did it a week early so that John Murray, the point person who has shepherded me along my way, could attend. He will be in Italy and Istanbul when I leave.

It was the first time I had seen everyone together. Most of the other workers I just know casually from seeing them in the office except for Daniel who manages the project with the Mon boys at Wat Prok that I visited recently.

Quite unexpectedly, John M tapped his glass, and started a little thank you. But then...he continued:

"And I've written a little ditty that is based on "The Wild Colonial Boy". It's an old Australian ballad that's a favorite of mine. It's called 'A Vibrant Lassie'".

Here is what he composed.

The Vibrant Lassie
--Dedicated to Mary Catherine

There was a vibrant lassie. Mary Catherine was her name.
She was born and raised in Iowa, where difference, not shame, was the game.
She was her family’s joy, full of life and promise.
And dearly did those who loved her see a future for this, their vibrant lassie.

So she went her way and sought a life of her own.
She got herself an education. She got herself a profession.
She also got herself a family. To them she is ever classie.
One loved by all, she remains their vibrant lassie.

Then to New York did she one day roam.
Life would change—full of writing, full of drama—this was her new home.
In the midst of all that was, a vision came.
It said—go to Bangkok, teach monks—don’t become tame, for you are our vibrant lassie.

So to Bangkok she got. Only to find God knows what.
She struggled, she questioned, she never gave in to the rot.
The puzzle proved a quandary—for all is never what it seems when rather messie.
So in face of all that came her way, our sister showed herself to be ever our vibrant lassie.

Here she has taught, she has written, she has discovered.
This is truly a place where life can once again be uncovered,
So we say Goodbye as we stand in awe of one who came our way.
You have made your mark, you have finished your school for now.
May you go always our vibrant lassie.

John Murray osa -- Feb 09

Once in a very long while in life, someone comes along and shines the light on you with just the right angle to make you wither with appreciation. John's poetry, to me, was just such a light.
MC