In Memoriam: Szeto Wah
Szeto Wai Wah was born in 1931.
As a child, he fled to his ancestral town when war loomed over Hong Kong.
At his father's death, the young man provided for his siblings.
Trained at Grantham College, he forged forward.
Devoted to education, he reveled in his work.
Edifying others by words and deeds, he nurtured scholastic excellence.
Countless pupils benefited from this advocate of "schooling for all."
His beloved was like a white rose, resplendent with purity.
A bachelor all his life, he kept her memory in his heart.
A fighter for fair salaries, an organizer of pressure groups,
He unified teachers of different stripes.
Safeguarding professional rights and interests, he upheld justice.
He was imbued with ideals and gifted in strategies.
A zealous educationalist with the Professional Teachers Union (PTU) as a base,
He brought positive change to people's lives.
Elected by popular vote, he was a councillor for Kowloon East,
His persona distinguished as steadfast, righteous and impartial.
A campaigner for Chinese-language instruction, a champion of new textbooks,
Educational veteran of four decades, he became the role model par excellence.
Conversant in literature and history, with a keen eye on politics,
He served at the Legislative Council for eighteen years.
Founder of the Alliance for Democracy in China, he defended human rights.
Every year, tens of thousands gather at Victoria Park, their voices resounding.
Swimming and reading were his daily fare.
He admired literati Xin Qiji, Gong Zizhen, Nie Gannu and Lu Xun.
Constantly advancing himself, he enriched others.
His collected essays and other publications stand as tall as the man himself.
A heart bonded with Hong Kong, he wished the best for his motherland.
A true patriot, he headed organizations striving for democracy.
Upright and unswerving, he adhered to virtue and integrity.
Harnessing his best efforts, he never cowered in the face of hardship.
A disciplined and rational leader, his radiance has reached far and wide.
All that transpired in the past eight decades is now before our eyes.
Life may be short, but the world marches on.
Although he has left us, his legacy will never diminish.
As light begets light, candles will glow until June 4 is redeemed.
Friends from all places: the long fight for democracy is in your hands.
Even a small flame can consume an entire valley.
As he said, "The day when democracy wins, I'll delight in my share."
2011: the Lord called him home in Heaven.
Our revered Szeto, rest in peace.
---Patrick Lee Park Keong
29th January, 2011
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