Democracy Betrayed (Hong Kong IV)

 RANDOM JACK POETRY HOUR: WORLD DEMOCRACY

Democracy Betrayed (Hong Kong IV)

 

Hong Kong yesterday

The promise of democracy under

The thumb of authoritarian government

 

Hong Kong today

Democracy betrayed

 

The people of Hong Kong

Have long looked to the west

For guidance and support

They look to us now in despair

 

We who have stood with despots

For economic gain

We who have fought alongside dictators

For strategic advantage

We fall all but silent now in the quest

For independence

In the struggle for democracy

In the fight for basic freedoms

 

How shall we respond to Hong Kong’s

Desperate cry for assistance?

The cry of democracy dying

Shall we turn our backs?

Shall we walk away?

Shall we serve notice to all the world

That America no longer cares?

That America is about the money

Freedom?  Democracy?

You’re on your own

We send our condolences