In America, demonstrators protest against
democracy for Hong Kong
while waving Old Glory and the flag
of the PRC.
In China, demonstrators protest against
a communist regime
and are tear-gassed and brutalized
by their police.
Those who should know the value of democracy
and oppress it in the safety of a democracy…
I wonder if they sleep at night.
I wonder if they ever stop and think.
*Note: This poem was written in response to a demonstration I witnessed with Pro-China vs. Pro-Hong Kong demonstrators across the same street. If you are unfamiliar with what is happening in Hong Kong, here is a recent summary from CNN. Be aware that there is no free press in mainland China and news is state approved. Hong Kong officials must also be China-approved before they run for office and are largely pro-PRC.
RED GLADIOLA 