‘To Falun Gong’ by Michael Curtis

A little hurt,
a little grime,
a little dirt,
a little crime

on Falun Gong.

A little smell,
a little sale,
a little cell,
a little nail

to Falun Gong.

A little fit,
a little fist,
a little hit,
a little slit

on Falun Gong.

A little brute,
a little kick,
a little boot,
a little stick

to Falun Gong.

A little breath,
a little skin,
a little death,
a little sin

on Falun Gong.

A little Dé,
a little song,
a little luck,
a little gong

to Falun Gong.

Note: Seven lucky gongs, a sign of togetherness. Dé (pronounced “duh”) translates to “virtue.”

Michael Curtis has 40 years of professional experience in architecture, sculpture, and painting. He has taught and lectured at universities, colleges, and museums including The Institute of Classical Architecture, The National Gallery of Art, et cetera. His paintings and sculptures are featured in over 300 private collections; his many public statues can be found in The Library of Congress, The Supreme Court, other public buildings and squares. Professional experiences include Archivist of State Art (Michigan); guest curator, The Detroit Institute of Art; founder of art galleries; widely published poet; founding director of The National Civic Art Society, et cetera.

Featured Image: “Lotus Candle” by Xiaoping Chen. Numerous candlelight vigils have been held around the world to remember Falun Gong practitioners who have died from torture.