echoes and sketches, 1995

(far beyond far,
deep beyond deep,
still beyond still)

and the people cry, goes
“make them see, make them feel!!!”

and the poet spake, so low
“they are all but fools! How can I?
no jesus christ to stand tall amidst…
even then
have eyes, but didn’t see
have ears, but didn’t hear
have system, but didn’t feel…”

“nonsense!”, the people cried
“you might as well try”

and the poet spake, so low
“i might as well do, i’m afraid
no jesus christ i am to suffer amidst…
even then
his most high reverence
his kingdom and glory
his power everlasting

and they walked together, the poet and the people
believing to have conquered all the fears within

and they shouted to the highest
“we will be ! we shall be !
far beyond far like echoes in the night
even then
deep beyond deep as jesus christ’s
still beyond still as sketches in the wall
we will be! we shall be !”

and the people soon felt infirm
one by one they faced the last breath

and the poet wondered
“how could this be ? i’m left alone.
how can i? no jesus christ to die so others may live
even then
so he wrote deep lyrics beyond deep
so he sent echoes of emptiness, far beyond
so he drew sketches of nothingness still

and the poet wandered
clutching lyrics…echoes…sketches

just as i thought
no jesus christ he was
but he lived ‘til the end, the people he passed
even then
life held in love worked far beyond far
deep beyond life, beautiful nothingness
still beyond life, beautiful emptiness

and the people see
and the people feel.

New Year Message for Fellow Marista Educators

As the curtain closes on a year fraught with trials, let us not dwell on the shadows, but rather bask in the light of lessons learned and triumphs we have achieved.

Like St. Marcellin Champagnat, who led his flock through adversity with a shepherd's heart and a burning torch of education, we too have overcome, emerging stronger, wiser, and ever more devoted to our Marist mission.

But our journey, my dear friends and colleagues, is far from over. The second semester unfolds before us, promising fresh challenges and the boundless potential for growth. And in this endeavor, we stand not as individuals, but as a united #kapitBCg family.

To the faculty, whose tireless dedication sculpts young minds, to the adjuncts who bring their unique brilliance to our classrooms, and to the acads & admin team, who ensure our ship stays steady--- my deepest gratitude.

In the days ahead, let us be guided by the spirit of St. Marcellin. Let his humility be our compass, his faith and his love for education the wind that propels us forward.

Together,
let us create a learning haven where students blossom, where they feel seen, heard and loved, where dreams take flight, and the marista flame burns ever brighter.

May this New Year be a testament to our collective passion, may our efforts bear fruit a hundredfold. I am yours, with heartfelt appreciation.