[dropcap]T[/dropcap]his is reportedly a true story of a Sandinista minister of the Nicarguan Government who was visiting the prisons which housed members of the National Guard – men who were responsible for the brutal killing of about 50,000 Nicarguans. On one such visit, the minister came across the guardsman who had tortured him. The guardsman realized that the Minister had recognized him and said, “What are you going to do to me? What is your revenge?” The Minister extended his hand and said, “I forgive you. That is my revenge.”
This incident reveals a number of complex dynamics. While the Minister appears to have risen above the searing tendency for revenge and retribution, he is eminently aware of the power he wields over the prisoner. The very fact that he is in a position to offer his forgiveness is itself evidence of the shift in the balance of power between the two men. This offering is his revenge, because it dually illustrates his moral and political superiority over his adversary.
In today’s time, I can relate with the imprisoned guardsman, and hopefully the recipient of the same grace and forgiveness.
As the first person this New Year in Nagaland to have understood the writing on the wall and therefore to join the BJP, and thereby be a part of the pressure group to keep a check on the extremism of the fringe groups in the BJP, my sincere prayer to our Hon’ble leader Neiphu Rio to also forgive me for jumping the gun and becoming a follower of Narendra Modi. Whatever may be and whatever will be, you will always be my everything. And just because words alone are inadequate, kindly please allow me to sing this song to you which Yours truly and Mark Anthony together composed, but again which however Mark Anthony took all the credit for.
Oh
I just wanted you to comfort me
When I called you late last night you see
I was falling’ into love
Yes, I was crashing’ into love
Oh of all the words you sang to me
About life, the truth and being free, yeah
You sang to me, oh how you sang to me
Girl, I live for how you make me feel
So I question all this being real
‘Cause I’m not afraid to love
For the first time I’m not afraid of love
This day seems made for you and me
And you showed me what life needs to be
Yeah, you sang to me, oh you sang to me
All the while you were in front of me I never realized
I just can’t believe I didn’t see it in your eyes
I didn’t see it, I can’t believe it
Oh but I feel it
When you sing to me
Now I long to hear you sing beneath the clear blue skies
And I promise you this time I’ll see it in your eyes
I didn’t see it, I can’t believe it
Oh but I feel it
When you sing to me
Just to think you live inside of me
I had no idea how this could be
Now I’m crazy for your love
Can’t believe I’m crazy for your love
The words you said you sang to me
And you showed me where I wanna be
Yeah you sang to me, oh sang to me
All the while you were in front of me I never realized
I just can’t believe I didn’t see it in your eyes
I didn’t see it, I can’t believe it
Oh but I feel it
When you sing to me
How I long to hear you sing beneath the clear blue skies
And I promise you this time I’ll see it in your eyes
I didn’t see it, I can’t believe it
Oh but I feel it
When you sing to me “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” Romans 13:1
By: Benito Z. Swu
