In pale grey garments I pound our lands
In rice fields, hungry mouths and hands

Scales of justice on my aching shoulders
Balancing water like a decorated soldier

Vigilant to the lowlands of my family’s birth
Providing a staple for children of the earth

I am a heartbeat for China’s Iron Bowl Age
From birth to grave, I have stayed engaged

A senior worker, in the Land of the Dragon
A cultural revolution to hoist my heart upon

I have worked China’s rice fields, sun to sunset
It has always been about giving, not what I get

Our land has found answers in the sins of our time
History will judge its nations by deeds, not crimes

Our world is starving for the sum of what my hands sow
I am an ancient warrior of what each child should know

The laurels of your crown are spun by your own hand
Seek the goodness of our planet, and you will understand

Each child of earth was fashioned from the same clay
Our hearts and hands together, form a brand new day

©Kathy Paysen 2009