by Lilian Zeng, Del Norte High School, 26'

our hearts, beating to the rhythm of the land
the love of our nation, stifled by
the melody of their new drums
marching towards the unionized future
trespassing

our culture, stripped away with every note
only memories remain,
tucked in distant harmony
blurred at every red, white, and blue melody
fading

once, our drums would echo
throughout the night, an unwavering stand
sung within the rivers, mountains, and trees
telling tales of our ancestors
reminiscing

now melancholy meanders among the wind
in despair, May blooming flowers bear hope
as harmony diminishing
rhythm of the heart entwines in our roots
breathing