Falun Gong Poem by Richard Lackman

China as a country dates to ancient history
Beginning with the Stone Age culture 3000 BC
Inhabited by Yang Shao people in crude settlements
But able to farm and create essential implements

From there the culture flourished via many dynasties
But always with an eye to its evolving pedigree
And so dynastic change was oft accompanied by war
Typically violent as related in folklore

But gradually the culture changed and peace became the goal
As learned men pursued the arts and delved into their souls
Experiencing some religious ideology
Accepting Buddhist or Confucian style theology

This changed under the rule of China’s communistic state
As government replaced religion as it would dictate
And so the Falun Gong was formed out of necessity
To foster meditation and a kind philosophy
Where exercise, compassion and forbearance were ideals
And so its followers felt they had nothing to conceal

Eventually the government felt threatened by this group
Afraid that Falun Gong would cause religions to recoup
So that it banned the practice and ideals for which it stood
Persecuting those who were committed to the good

And so Falun Gong joined other faiths that over time
Have seen its practices condemned; equated to a crime
And yet no government can kill our intrinsic desire
To pursue our faith and love no matter what transpires.