Let it Rot
Let it rot like the dead thing it is
may it become like dust
may it never be remembered as anything good
Let it Rot as nothing and be forgotten as a failed experiment
In time I hope it is remembered as the monster it was that ruined so many
may it never return when it is finally gone from this world
May we always guard against its return when it is gone
Let it Rot forever for all the death and misery it has caused.
Forever may Freedom be fought for and forever may communism rot like the cancer it is on history.
Let it Rot!!
Bai Lan!!
Categories:
bai, blessing, community, corruption, emotions,
Form: Free verse
In the olden, amidst an era where valor defined men, a towering figure emerged, Bai Bureh, the epitome of courage and leadership, a beacon of hope to his people.
Hailing from humble beginnings in a small village, his prowess transcended boundaries, commanding respect even from empires. Fondly known as Kebalai of Kasseh, his spirit never wavered in the face of conflict.
Witnessing injustice, particularly in the unjust levies imposed on his people for their dwellings, he fearlessly led a noble rebellion against the oppressive British regime, seeking rightful restitution for his people's land.
Bai Bureh's legacy is etched in the plague of our past, a testament to his unwavering principles and indomitable spirit. Even in his absence, his story remains a source of inspiration, a reminder of the power of resilience and righteousness.
Categories:
bai, 11th grade, 12th grade,
Form: Free verse
Meer Bai (1498-1546) was a Hindu mystic, musician, poet, and saint. She was born to a royal house, but gave up all privilege to live as a beggar, singing of her true love Krishna along the byways and in the marketplace. I have adapted two of her poems, striving as best I might to capture my sense of her person and persona.
I.
I want you to have all that I can provide:
The beauty of my gaze upon you
The grace of my mouth that praises you
The splendor of my strength in your defense
The glory of the scent of musk that is my body
For do we not speak of divine love?
We do.
II.
Never let it be forgotten, my love,
That I will bring to you
All the madness you require
To unfurl yourself
Across this universe.
Categories:
bai, beauty, emotions, god, longing,
Form: Free verse
you ever heard of a Lao party?
might be one going on right now…
we Lao folks love that celebratin’
sifting through sunrise and slipping
through sunset we sing our favorite
songs in our heads
it shortens time at work
cuz we sa baiiii sa baiiii
we force ourselves to
sa bai through the weekdays
so when weekend come
we too sai bai to be sa bai while
Beer Lao gushes down as if a recession
exists in our bellies
and we must stimulate our celebratory economy
this weekend on our little cousin’s birthday
where grandpas and grandmas
get down Salavan style
Lao folks gotta play that music
gives us an excuse to pick up microphones
clap our hands and wave our wrist around
and dance like how our aunties teach us
when the right song come
when the right keys
of the khaen flute lifts our stress out
our sleepless bodies
we always celebrating something
waiting for that weekend
coasting past the jobs we hate
or waiting to grab jobs we don’t have
it don’t matter if our elders can’t speak English
they singing like they own the land
where their voices reach
rejoicing over the smallest
of happenings
and we all sa baiiiii real good
Categories:
bai, culture, family, friendship, funny,
Form: Free verse