Photo of Hong Kong protesters.‘Hong Kong’s Freedom Fighters’ by Douglas J. Lanzo The Society August 13, 2020 Beauty, Culture, Deconstructing Communism, Human Rights in China, Poetry 5 Comments dedicated to all those braving injustice in Hong Kong with nobility of spirit Muffled voices, anguished cries, Trampled freedom, published lies, Flouted treaties, threatened fates, Outlawed protests, closed debates; Unveiled changes to the Law, Breaking backs with final straw, Taking rights to speak and pray From the people every day. Peaceful protests carry on, Crying out from dusk till dawn: “Liberate—make Hong Kong free, Beacon of democracy!” Risking losing life and limb, “Seek justice” their battle hymn; Citing promised guarantees Of free press and liberties. Increased stakes make them stand tall, Heeding patriotic call. Braving brutal police force, Backed by threats meant to coerce. Modern Thomas Jeffersons, Truly our Forefathers’ sons, Showing courage beyond words— Righteous, bearing moral swords. A General Counsel by day and a poet by night, Doug’s inspirational poetry has been published in numerous, diverse literary publications throughout the United States, The Caribbean and Australia. He resides in Chevy Chase, Maryland with his wife and eleven-year-old identical twin sons. NOTE TO READERS: If you enjoyed this poem or other content, please consider making a donation to the Society of Classical Poets. The Society of Classical Poets does not endorse any views expressed in individual poems or commentary. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)Trending now: 5 Responses Joseph S. Salemi August 13, 2020 “Righteous” people bearing “moral swords” won’t make a bloody bit of difference if the CCP sends in soldiers to crush the Hong Kong protests. Hong Kong was doomed when the cowardly British pulled out, and left the place to the mercies of the Red Chinese colossus. Promises, guarantees, and treaties mean nothing in the harsh world of power-politics. The only thing that counts is military force, and the unhesitating willingness to use it. Reply Margaret Coats August 13, 2020 The Hong Kong resistance shows a noble spirit, indeed. We can hardly liberate them, but we can maintain and spread awareness of them–and we can vote in our own elections for the party and candidates of constitutional freedoms. This just may diminish the will of their oppressors to use greater force against them. Reply Peter Hartley August 14, 2020 Carries a very strong message and this poem flows magnificently. Would “seek justice IS their battle hymn” sound very slightly better? I’m happy to be overruled because it is all VG anyway Reply Cindy Erlandson August 15, 2020 Thank you. This reminds me to pray for these people in Hong Kong and their freedom from tyranny. Reply Cindy Erlandson August 16, 2020 Love it! Long live freedom! Reply Leave a Reply Cancel ReplyYour email address will not be published.CommentName* Email* Website Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Notify me of new posts by email. Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Joseph S. Salemi August 13, 2020 “Righteous” people bearing “moral swords” won’t make a bloody bit of difference if the CCP sends in soldiers to crush the Hong Kong protests. Hong Kong was doomed when the cowardly British pulled out, and left the place to the mercies of the Red Chinese colossus. Promises, guarantees, and treaties mean nothing in the harsh world of power-politics. The only thing that counts is military force, and the unhesitating willingness to use it. Reply
Margaret Coats August 13, 2020 The Hong Kong resistance shows a noble spirit, indeed. We can hardly liberate them, but we can maintain and spread awareness of them–and we can vote in our own elections for the party and candidates of constitutional freedoms. This just may diminish the will of their oppressors to use greater force against them. Reply
Peter Hartley August 14, 2020 Carries a very strong message and this poem flows magnificently. Would “seek justice IS their battle hymn” sound very slightly better? I’m happy to be overruled because it is all VG anyway Reply
Cindy Erlandson August 15, 2020 Thank you. This reminds me to pray for these people in Hong Kong and their freedom from tyranny. Reply