Embracing HIV
by Uddhava Daito Saradadasa

I once believed there was no attainment
without embracing spiritual vows;
but on the news today I saw an awakened being.

Some old woman in Kazakhstan refused
to abandon her HIV grandson,
though all their family had abandoned them.

Such a small lamp in an ocean of darkness,
overwhelming space and time
her heart illuminates the universe.

Oh Grandma, how the child plays
in your embrace.