Plight of Albanians from Kosovo, shown daily on television,
children torn apart from parents, old men and women with tales of horror.
Sights of young men's bullet ridden bodies, victims of grand design,  
result of centuries old hatred and leaders without vision.

Plight of Tamils from  Eelam, not shown on television,
is nevertheless an ongoing tragedy, with seemingly no end in sight.
Lack of cheap vitamins causing children to lose their eyesight,
result of leaders bent on crushing our people's spirit.

Plight of Albanians and Tamils both known by the world,
unable to stop the madness, reduced to showing sympathy.
Outpourings of help to Albanians, with food money and blankets,
to ensure that the newly homeless are not helpless and hopeless.

It is springtime at last, season of renewal of life,
with chirping birds, and cherry blossoms in bloom.
New leaves springing from trees that appeared bereft of life,
having survived harsh winter to live another season.

It is Easter season, time of Jesus' resurrection,
without pain of crucifixion, there would have been no resurrection.
Without the pain our people are going through, there would be no salvation.
Our role as expatriates is, not to forget our people and our nation.

The wheel of life turns and the winter of our people would pass,
but in the interim, we are called to be of service.
To let them know that they are not alone and forgotten,
and that we join shoulders with them in their march.

Let us wake up from our slumber and mindnumbing lethargy,
let us resolve that each one of us can make a difference.
Our wealth was given to us by an infinite force,
to share with our brothers and sisters, victims of brute force.

Let us dream of a day when all of us realize,
that the essence of all religions is to have love in our heart,
and that we will find it in our heart,
to be moved by our people's tears, and work to mend their broken hearts.

N.A. Ranjithan, M.D.