I came up to London in 2011 to remember Tiananmen on June 4th 1989 and to salute its part in the national and worldwide democratic struggle. www.history.com/this-day-in-history/tiananmen-square-massacre-takes-place In 2011 years later Ai Wei Wei was a prisoner while his beautiful Zodiac statues stood outside Somerset House in London. He is one of many Chinese prisoners whose imprisonment came to symbolise the worldwide struggle for justice for artists and prisoners of conscience. The images of this poem extend to every unjustly incarcerated person in our world who is victimized for holding the views that they do.It is estimated that there are over a million political prisoners worldwide.
Zodiac 104
Goat is surefooted: He climbs to the highest point, Searching the horizon For an unseen man: “Prisoner 104 come back!” His bleating rises and falls While the sun beats And the stones bake As children skip, oblivious.
Vanished hands erected These columns, now sentinel, As water arcs leap skyward: But other unseen hands Come swiftly in the dark With shouts and searchlights. Making hands prisoner–silence. Dog’s mournful eyes question: “Where is Prisoner 104 now?"
Tiger paces, prowls, growls Railing at injustic fiercely. He commands the fountains, "Wash away these foul crimes!" The deeds of unseen hands Binding hands that created These outposts of freedom, Their clamouring insistent, Calling to all friends worldwide Behind blank cell doors
Shrewd snake counsels wisdom: “Watch, wait for Prisoner 104!” His Wise Eyes scrutinize Strollers in the square- And he knows they now too ask: “Where is Prisoner 104?” The question crosses continents. At sunrise guards change watch: Ai Wei Wei’s friends never sleep.
Dragon, creature of legend Mystic, coils, curls, calls: “Prisoner 104's tale will live!” Bold dragon rising in the air, Flaming breath proclaiming truth! He would fly to the rooftop Where his friend is hidden And reach him if he could, Carrying him away on the air.
The night is falling: A late passing student stops, Marvels at the sleepless watch. Their prayers, exhortations Unceasing. Harmony breaks dischord. Rooster waits for the dawn of day When, crowing, he proclaims “Prisoner 104 will return!”, -Sun-emblazoned Augur!
Monkey is eager, chattering: “I will go now to Prisoner 104!” I will swiftly steal keys Faster than unseen hands!” Among Buddha’s friends he is Ready to willingly go! He would jump if he could From columns tall as trees, Caution to the wind.
Still Rabbitsays nothing Thinks long, stays quiet He has no fast answer “ I’ll not forget Prisoner 104!” He thinks to follow softly When Prisoner 104 once more Strolls across the meadow Strewn with wild flowers, Bees humming, air scent-laden.
Ox resolves to bear the burden: “I‘ll work for Prisoner 104's return! He toils towards red sunset, Determined to do this task. His mournful lowing echoes While flocks of birds Skimming the bright water Fluttering feathered wings Carol joyously and free
Swift Horse, hooves ringing Cobbled stones echoing as he shouts “Prisoner 104 is not alone!” He rears, his nostrils flared, His challenge thrown in the ring To those that did this thing To his noble friend, whose weight He would carry in rain In Sun In Storm, in Snow
Pig runs through the Wood “Give Prisoner 104 peace!” He calls to his herd, Pounding grass, leaves, branches. They gather expectant, Breath curling in the air, Hanging on their master’s reason. Circling, pawing now swift, They take up his cry
A girl cools her head in the fountain. Rat knows Prisoner 104 thirsts. Rat asks but one thing: “Let prisoner 104 live free!” The columns stand hopeful As the friends hold counsel Will the world look, listen? They question, worry, ponder….. The fate of such friends in our hands.
Copyright work of Dido Walker June 2011.
Ai Wei Wei's friends never sleep .............the guardians of prisoners of conscience behind locked doors everywhere