Terryflections
Fr.
Terence Quadros, SJ,
variously
called by his friends Terry, TerryQ, TQ...
is
a Jesuit who has a magical way of connecting to thoughts and pix that
we ordinary Muggles do not see.
Terry
is a Counsellor to students at St. Xavier's College, Mumbai,
and
creates music and poems and cards and posters that so far have stayed
hidden to all except the few to whom they were directed.
After
much coaxing he has agreed to let us share these with the world.
Vinayalaya.com is happy to bring you a weekly choice
of one of these Terry Treasures. Updates every Monday.
You can contact him at querry2@gmail.com
or at terryq@jesuits.net
Several
of the accompanying photos are by Prof. Kevin D'Cruz.
Kevin, a computer expert and an
environmental enthusiast, teaches at St. Xavier's College, Mumbai.
He has two brothers who are
Jesuit priests. Of the three brothers it is hard to say who is
most Jesuit.
Posting of
Monday 9 Oct 06:
It stands alone at edge of land
in firm committed faithful stand
the vale below in viewed command
through lull or storm that
blows.
Assigned that post by will divine
in duty bound through
rain and shine
to transient passers-by a sign
of sentinel repose.
For company the winds, the sky
the monsoon mist clouds floating by
the shrubs and grass around that
lie
while seasons come and go.
And every evening sunsets seen
across wild forests evergreen
past vales and hills that stand
between
horizon skies aglow.
Through blazing summer, winter cold,
wet monsoon
seasons that unfold
each dawning day will yet behold
its dedicated stance.
Uncowered by the winds of change
unenticed by offers strange
no yield to move or rearrange
to other music chants.
Just now quite shorn of majesty
it barely seems what
trees should be
lush foliage once now history
it stands still graced alone.
While other sentinels have passed
to other borders somewhere past
where lights abound no shadows cast
to ranges new unknown.
Some sentinels fall down and die
this one will stand upright, the
sky
will hearken it's
last wind borne sigh
and celebrate a life
well spent fulfilling
joyfully
a promise kept unfailingly
the way a sentinel should be
through sunshine, storm or strife.
I pass that cliff edge
and I see
still stand there sentinel the tree
old, graceful yet, reminding
me
of life as I must live.
Though challenge come from day
to day
seductions to some other way
when Master asks me will I stay,
response affirmative!
terryq
: 1 September, 2004
photo: Prof. Kevin D'Cruz
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posting of
Monday 2 Oct 06:
From where I stand the road is clear
and leads with confidence ahead
around me fresh the morning mists
and vibrant grasses wet with rain
soft sunlight patches play a tune
to which sweet monsoon minstrels trill
their rise-and-shine awaken songs
my heartstrings pluck, my spirits fill.
The here-and-now I reach with grace
traversed new paths adventure ways
through ups and downs, my footsteps sure
the earth safe firm beneath my feet.
I've walked the road, now no regrets
despite the sometime seasons rage
discomfort, doubts and wonderings
if this the road that I must tread.
Just now ahead the misty curve
what lies beyond I cannot see
I do not know nor wish to know
the challenge, risk, the dare surprise
elation leap, new sunlit skies,
long tortuous path ,beyond what prize?
I step ahead light-footedly
My hand in His, enough for me....
terryq
: august, 2003
photo: Prof. Kevin D'Cruz
Posting of
Monday 25 Sep 06:
This was written in April
2004:
They come in waves the dreamcloud scenes
and gradually the bridge between
dissolves, transforms and soon sets sail
swift ship on high seas storm assailed
yet ruddered towards haven far
unfaltering guide celestial star.
We dream our dreams most times alone
And from sleep dreams sometimes are born
Long passages cross time and space
our sails full swept by winds of grace
Sometimes I fear the seas, the skies
gust gales above, what danger lies
'neath ocean's heaving ruffled top
no mortal power can peril stop.
Then I remember gospel storm
He walked the seas, majestic form
The winds and waves their power concede
and peace returns at Master's heed.
My ship sails on. At rudder, helm
at steering wheel, in ocean realm -
The Lord of all - His guiding hand
will steer my ship to promised land..
