Beijing, Beijing

Beijing, Beijing,

like ancient chimes the name rings out
a peal for freedom in a silent world
so suddenly becomes a toll
as flowers of the nation fall
like cherry blossoms to the ground
carpeting a dry unyielding earth
with radiant eloquence

from petals crushed beneath tyrannic heels
sweet fragrances arise
of justice truth and liberty
their pollen blown by winds of change
will settle on each fertile soul
to bloom again
in time
the bells shall sound once more
Beijing, Beijing