Bás sagairt

An Caitliceach nach réabhlóidí é, múchta i bpeaca marfach atá sé.

An tAthair Camilo Torres Restrepo (1929 - 1966)

Bhíos fós ar scoil
nuair a d'fheallmharaigh
fórsaí an rialtais thú

Bhí 50 bliain ó tharla 1916 á cheiliúradh againn.
(mar dhea!)

Cén fáth nár fógraíodh do bhás ón bpuilpid
cén fáth nach raibh lá oifigiúil dobróin againn?

Bheinnse tar éis deora a shileadh i do dhiaidh
cinnte!
Bheinn tar éis tú a chaoineadh go géar goirt, a Athair
cén fáth nach ndúradh linn gur feallmharaíodh thú?

Nó an mbeinn tar éis a rá liom féin
nach scannalach an ní é go mbeadh sagart
ina throdaí Marxach -
ar leac na bpian atá sé siúd anois, chomh cinnte le hIfreann!

Death of a Priest

A Catholic who is not a revolutionary is steeped in mortal sin.

Fr. Camilo Torres Restrepo (1929 - 1966)

I was still at school
when government forces
assassinated you

We were celebrating the 50th anniversary of the 1916 Rising
(yeah, sure  . . .)

Why was your death not announced from the pulpit
why was there not an official day of mourning?

I would have shed tears for you
be sure of it!
I would have wept bitterly for you, Father
why were we not told of your assassination?

Or would I have said to myself
what a scandal! A Marxist fighter - and he a priest . . .
he's suffering for it now - as sure as Hell!
...