Tamal Krishna Goswami (Poem)

A Lion Warrior — within Chaitanya’s school,

You stood strong and espoused the Goldren Rule,

That one and all — should chant the Holy Name, 

and thus you increased the glory and fame…

Of the Golden Avatar — in this darkened age,

You were a gentleman, scholar and a wise old sage, 

Serving with a passion, that would sometimes make you cry,

There was never a question, you’d ever be denied.

A stubbon man — your determination resolute, 

you demanded your way with steel capped boots,

I admired your fortitude and was in awe of your feet,

Unfortunately, the intimidation sometimes made me weak…

To stand my ground — and be strong like your Grace,

I crumbled sometimes under the force of your mace, 

But alas, time has now healed me; I now feel up to the task,

To teach spiritual knowledge without a limiting mask…

of false humility, dogma and the demons of doubt,

I think I understand now, what it’s all about,

We’re individuals, unlimited, and unique as well,

There’s no need to merge in some comformity hell.

Like a beautiful tapestry — woven through time, 

We have to sing our chord and find our rhyme,

Just like you did — in your quest for Absolute Truth,

To unravel the mystery of the Vrindavan Youth.

You never lost the youthful expectation of impossibility,

Rather, you taught “oneness” through individuality,

A mighty pioneer — in so many extraordinary ways,

it was self-evident to everyone — from the very early days.

In your last foray here — you led a valliant charge,

Of elite scholarship — with accolades so large,

That you filled a wall — with your honours and awards,

And dined with the professors as mineral waters poured.

It’s been an honour to have served you in my humble way,

Although I know I fall short in this academic play, 

You’ve set a high standard, that I can only aspire,

Until that day when my frail body must sadly retire.

I hope somehow — that I can make you proud,

As I follow my unique path in this noisy crowd, 

Of evolution of spirit and the exploration of life, 

And I don’t mess things up again and create more strife.

Please continue to bless me — in my efforts to share, 

The glory of prasadam and the culture of care, 

For the essence of life — is to love unconditionally,

And it is from the tongue where we evolve spiritually.

Quite aptly, you were known — as the “Gourmet Guru”

A man of refined pallete and sophistication too,

Your hospitality knowledge impressed one and all,

It seemed there was no one — more on the ball.

“Attention to detail” was your trademark in kind,

Absolutely nothing escaped your sharpness of mind, 

We were all so proud to assist — in your gracious ways,

Oh’ the fond memories of those happiest of days.

As we rallied around you — and smiled as one,

Like glowing planets — orbiting the Sun,

You were our hero, our General, our teacher divine,

Showing us the way — assuring us all would be fine.

We still believe you, and now try to serve our best, 

Expressing our individuality on this noble quest, 

As we find our way — in this darkest of nights, 

Our only prayer, is that you’ll continue to shine your light.

(c) 2012 Paul Rodney Turner

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