The Value of a Democracy

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.

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For Frank

The sun sets finally on the man
who for so long pushed it back
concerned for a child scared of the dark.
Now, she looks up and seeing the stars,
weeps and prays at their light.

Grape Hyacinths in Autumn

as days grow colder
my rescued hyacinths
push up from the soil

as if expecting a new spring —
green shoots

Silence

What despair!
That my words
Be greeted with silence.

Journey

I took
A leisurely stroll
Through the pages of a book

False Friend

Friend,
You coax me onto high beams
Over a bridge that ends in mist
Can you not see
The shaking of my feet?
I climb and fall
Catch myself on elbows and toes
Now, I can no longer
Even move.
Friend,
Do not be the hand
That pushes me
Off the edge.

Painted Bird

The painted bird
Forever in mid-flight
On the wall scroll

Cold Remembrance

Like faded flowers
Memories lose color
And grow brittle

Mother’s Shade

I did not realize
That eternity
Was built
On the backs of people.
And took for granted
The loved ones
Providing shelter
To one like me.
If only I had told
Of my gratefulness sooner
And learned how
To architect my own.

New Year

A black lacquered box
Sweet melon and chocolate
For the lunar year