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A Portrait of Grief and Pride

One cup of water for five people

Burning my throat.

Do you know the nauseous smell of rotten shrimp paste?

Despite my empty stomach, the bile flows bitter

And I spit out "human rights" to the Second Republic!

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Yet listen to them

"Eat and lie flat on your back for twenty-four hours.

Remember, son..

Raise your head and we'll break your ribs:

Unbutton your shirt and you'll eat lime dust."

You ask me where is Hell

Deep in my heart I remember night at Con Son--

The echo of a creaking door

The beatings

They crying out at midnight

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