Said Zahari

Hidden Hands

(after racial riots in K.L.)

*

Once again

History repeats itself

By savage deeds

In a civilized age.

*

Once again

Hidden hands appear

Seeking the Blood

Of the poor and the wretched.

*

Once again

Colour, race, religion and language

Become sharp blades

To use in the carnage.

*

It has happened

In every corner of the earth

Where the few eat bread

And the rest sand.

*

It has happened

Where the few clothed in velvet,

Sleep in palaces;

The rest go naked, squeezed into shacks.

*

It has happened

Then Hidden Hands reappear

Spilling the blood of the poor

To cling on to power.

*

May 1969