22_(341-342) In Tribute to.pmd


IN TRIBUTE TO A GREAT KING

It takes the consummate love of a Father

To love the people as our King does

It takes a giant leap of patience

To care as much as a committed King

It takes towers of strength to prevail

As Monarch, even in tribulations of time

To be the stability which his subjects avail

In changing fortunes or clime

It takes forbearance in the fight of life

To hold on to wisdom and moderation

Never to yield, in the floods of misfortunes

Never to sink, but to survive the waves of destruction

It takes the will of life to reach the age of eighty four

To stand tall even in the aches and pains of the body

It takes the mind of decisive sacrifice to defy history

To lead the people with righteousness to the fore

It takes a great life, the life of a teacher

To hold the hands of the people

And leading them forward in teaching

To point out in greatness, life’s undying riches

It takes the force of morality

To sit on the throne of majesty

And in the throngs of  loyal people

Look into their hearts which have been touched

Prajna Vihara, Volume 13, Number 1-2, January-December, 2012, 341-342 341

 c 2000 by Assumption University Press

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It takes fulfillment in life to look ahead

Of the fast changing forces of time

To be able to look back with smiles, and say

I have lived and loved my people

As I have promised.

Long Live His Majesty the King!!!

Glen Chatelier

Assumption University of Thailand

December 5, 2011

(The poem was originally published in The Bangkok Post, Thai-

land on December 5, 2011.  Reprinted with permission)

342  Prajna Vihara
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