visions of a torn world
I have heard
that in the distant past,
this nation was governed
with compassion
by certain wise rulers.
The palace was thatched
with common reeds,
the eaves left ragged.
When the emperor saw
smoke rise thinly
from the people's hearths
he waived already modest taxes.
This was
an act of mercy,
a desire to help
his people.
To understand
the world of today,
hold it up
to the world
of long ago.
that in the distant past,
this nation was governed
with compassion
by certain wise rulers.
The palace was thatched
with common reeds,
the eaves left ragged.
When the emperor saw
smoke rise thinly
from the people's hearths
he waived already modest taxes.
This was
an act of mercy,
a desire to help
his people.
To understand
the world of today,
hold it up
to the world
of long ago.