Huang Xiang Poem by David McLansky

Huang Xiang

Zhang Ling

I am the silence in the crowd
The unheard voice that speaks aloud,
The muzzled voice led off to prison,
The mocked voice, the guard's derision;
I am the voice that shouts 'I am.'
The fervent voice born of woman
That claims a rightful place on earth
A right to sing, condemn and curse,
All of those who would deny my voice;
I am the soul who has no choice;
I paint the walls with my words;
I paint my house to be heard;
I am the demon in the street
Who shouts at Power's Wild Beasts;
I am the poet who dares to sing
Borne on the love of Xiang Ling.