by Todd Benjamin

What is this world if Falun Gong
For all its good is told it’s wrong?
If simple folk who live to care
Are chased and murdered everywhere?

Why is it bad for decent folk
To teach an honest path to walk,
A path that leads to peace and calm
And causes no one any harm?

Is China’s compass so far shot
Its leaders need to act so hot
In fear that truth from innocents
Endanger their omniscience?

Or is their ruthless show of power
Meant to kill the lovely flower
Blooming in the hearts of those who
Pray a cleaner wind will blow through?

That kinder shades of politics
May somehow supersede the tricks
Of Communists who beat them down,
With torture, gaol or forced to drown.

A poor world this, if Falun Gong
Is not allowed to sing its song
Of moral good and honesty;
Oh no, this is a travesty.

* * *

 

Recognized as an Honorable Mention in FoFG’s 2026 Poetry Contest