by Logan Blakeslee

There are prisons in that ancient land
Cruel distance drawn by sea and sky
Under a state that none may defy
A nation crushed by the tyrant’s red hand
Who will show mercy, and who will stand?
Who has strength left to try?
Pray today, says the partisan, and surely you’ll die
For blood is what we demand

Look now, and look closely
From freedom’s sheltered shores
See the Falun Gong, tortured daily
Shuttered behind the iron doors
With our voice, we hold the silver key
So take heed, speak out, and let freedom soar!

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Recognized as an Honorable Mention in FoFG’s 2025 Poetry Contest