A Killing Field
By Argee Guevarra
Five years ago, Jesuit Seminarian Richie Fernando was killed in a landmine rehabilitation center in Cambodia. In his attempt to stop a crazed student throwing a grenade at some of the already handicapped inmates, he prevented their death but was killed himself. We have a poem written by his friend Argee Guevarra in memory of Richie’s action.
Today we shall let our crosses stand
on a square foot
of the Khmer hearthland—
And knell with one leg, or without
even for hours,
on your sacrament
of giving up your life for ours.
This is your way
of atoning for the sins of the rogues
who once headed our hopes into a rosary
of skull and bones.
Perhaps it is time to piece together
your gospel of peace and bury our anger
with the limbs ripped by every landmine
roused from sleep.
Because of you,
dearest brother,
Our fragmented body is now of one soul
Learning to limp
Through life on crutches,
Our daily crosses.
-Argee Guevarra