50 Years...Still Dancing

3 years, 8 months and 20 days

when the soil cried out in agony

and the thunder rattled frightened bones

a past faded into a distant memory

a future without a future

1981

when living regained meaning

though rage lived in liquor

and sadness lingered on tongues,

joy flowed through heirloom silks

and hope in stir-fry fermented dreams

Present

when koun khmer alchemize wounds

into courage and perseverance,

a generation blossoms

like yeay's garden of wisdom

nourishing a future where we thrive,

sing, laugh, and romvong into the next 50 years