By Mr. K.V.S. Dileep
An alumnus of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning who has spent nine years studying in Baba's educational institutions, Dileep completed his Masters in Technology (Computer Science) in the Prasanthi Nilayam campus in 2010. Currently he is a Doctoral Research Scholar at Artificial Intelligence and Databases Lab (AIDB), Department of Computer Science and Engineering, IIT Madras in Chennai, India.
When I heard the tragic news on April 24, I was totally confused. I then prayed to Swami and He inspired me with a message which I have composed in the form of a poem. This did help me a lot and I hope it will serve many others too.
I faced an ocean far and wide,
Only a small boat I had for a ride,
Frightened I was, and completely crestfallen,
Cursing the misery befallen
Then came this boatman along the way,
With smile so serene and words so pleasing
He offered to be my friend, philosopher and guide,
Through the journey of ocean called LIFE
Armed with oars, and other implements
Me and the boatman set out for an adventure
We laughed together through the smooth sailing,
Leaving the oars to Him for the rough patches
Through the journey he always told
Tales of morality, and about lands far and behold
Under his tutelage and expert instruction
I found myself becoming a better boatman
How can I repay you, I used to ask,
Help and Love your travelers he used to tell
Where do I find you, I asked
Find ME in every heart that needs help
We journeyed along until time immemorial,
And then suddenly He vanished from the boat
No proper goodbye or a farewell hug
Leaving me in total shock
As a gasp of sorrow threatened to escape me
A strange feeling began to encompass
The boat continued to sail
As if He was never gone
It surged through the water much more than I rowed,
Then the subtle realization did dawn
For though the hold is gone, the grip remains
For though his voice is gone, the echo remains
The whistling wind of the sea then whispered,
Why to say goodbye my child If I never left
Keep rowing my friend, for I am always there
In the strength of the oars
And the Wind beneath the sails.
