Victoria Park Assembly
By Matthew Cheng
There is rain
and wind
but we will not be defeated
there is never snow
but often summer’s sweltering heat
we stand by the strength of our bodies
democracy the only demand
rage hidden in the cracks between fingers
smiles calm
concerned for the front line
do they have money for food?
we drink plenty of water
suspend thoughts of self
read comments online tune in commentary
try to understand
then sink into thought
in Victoria Park
lashed by the storm
if anyone to the east is sick
raise your hand to make it known
if anyone to the west is exhausted
make space to sit together
if anyone to the south is trembling
go tell them there’s nothing to fear
if some to the north hurl taunts
tell them: it’s pointless let it go
shed tears into the phone
the young out on the street scatter and run
dubbed by all ‘the valiant resistance’
they do not give way to force or threats
risk their lives
I would become
that kind of Hongkonger