On His Return Home After Being Out of Country
Tsu Chi stopped halfway down the mountain
on his way back from a day and night with Li Po.
His head still stinging and ears ringing
from rice wine and words. Tsu looked back
at the path: How many changes the mountains
have witnessed. Never once did they raise a flag
or march through the streets. Never once
did they contemplate dishonoring a leader
and the country. They endured in silence
as their faces, blown up in dust,
became the gravel road drilled through their core.
They all are aware enough to leak their tears.
–T.A.Sukany 07 Jul 2019