(To Tao Hong, Ma Zhicheng & Zhu Chengqing)
China,
wrapped huge in my heart,
marrying echoes into eternity –
the land,
a language –
a code of release –
a door into a hive
of ancient trees.
mother heart,
how you’ve protected me –
my whole body washed
in you.
and the faith of brothers –
gift of the land’s arms,
tables spilled with food –
where one seems to end,
then another starts.
I miss the joy of your warm acceptance
and the simplicity and openness
of your hearts.