Lady Cambodia |
Oh Cambodia! Once you were adorned in rich rainbows Gold and lace and dazzling jewels Gifts from the king, India’s favourite daughter. The barbaric world stood mesmerized, intimidated By your dainty feet in a song of steps You danced a short history of power Beware your enemies: You were warned, of that whore, Siam She seduced the man of stars and stripes But her sons have married their brothers Oh Cambodia! What happened to your white garments? Sparkling palace walls now slums of dirty plastic bags Why did you let Vietnam tattoo himself all over you? You sold your children to Russia He killed them in the name of equality So self-absorbed - your babies cry in hunger. In deepest misery you wander in the gardens Safe under French caretaking, escape Back into a refuge of long-lost glory In a mystical land when you had the gods’ favour. Oh Cambodia! In your wealth you were courted by China He loved to watch you, In communal baths, in your clear rivers, Dripping naked and laughing like a village girl He’s forgotten you now. Oh Cambodia! Sympathize when a child drowns, But put aside the self-pity and learn again. The Westerner offers his hand in marriage In remorse for his brothers’ wrongs Leave your ego with your past, And in humility embrace him. Oh Cambodia! |