Himalaya Rhapsody

"Teaching Tibetan Language to Tibetan Students" for Tashi Wangchuk *

Your tears have a way of working.
The miracles they perform
Are dispatched to the authorities.

You say you mean peace. I say war
Is of more value. You do not intend
To harm me: it’s said over and again.

Convince me!

String up those genocides for
All to see.
Spit out the eyes… take mine:

I don’t need your need.

[*charged with ‘inciting separatism’]

Stefanie Bennett, ex-blues singer and musician, has published several books of poetry, a novel, and a libretto. She also worked with Arts Action For Peace. Of mixed ancestry [Irish/Italian/Paugussett-Shawnee] she was born in Australia in 1945. Read other articles by Stefanie.