TRUTH

for the 200,000 killed below Shimantan Dam, August 1975

The dead know our lies. Forest birds

know the wind at dawn.

Fruits know how earth’s blood slakes.

Keening knows the grandeur of stemware.

Stones in the throat say the souls of the dead

are with us. Drink up! The wheels of the beasts need oil–

crush the people, and those teeth trying to speak truth.

The world writhes in the cleft of blind men’s heads,

from whence pours darkness.