Telling China Poem by RIC BASTASA

well, it is just
a small island
which we call scarborough shoal

and there you are
china
bringing all your war ships
surrounding it

as though by show of force
by all means
you want to take it away
from us

a tiny voice says,
where is patriotism?
we will go to war for
this
small island which is
ours alone

well, i said to myself
it is just an island
let them have it,

and they all hate me
for that.

deep within i say
what kind of war will you wage?

ah, it will be nuclear
it destroys the island
it destroys lives
it destroys all the creatures
within, shells, corals, fish,
sea weeds

i don't like wars
who wants wars?

i only need six feet
to get my own nice sleep

i go for peace
let china have it
and you will hate
me for this
as i go for peace
and nothing
but peace.