Can We See Ourselves Here?
There is no way to capture the sadness, disgust, awe, and prophetic fear I felt when I read Jung Chang’s Wild Swans. This is what rolled through me when I tried:
“We are so much better, so much more civilized;”
Western eyes roll in disgust;
Atrocities through three generations;
But don’t we have our own Wild Swans?
We call ourselves genteel, less cruel;
Do we afford a different dignity than they?
Three women and their consorts, possessed and owned;
Freedom revoked rings a bell.
Building revolution on the backs of the people;
Claiming destruction as necessity;
Removing obstacles, or are they heralds?
Shut them down. We know best.
One hundred years to global power:
Centuries of women under the bus;
A saga of savagery in silk and porcelain:
Is it a cautionary tale?
– KH
About the Author
Kristin Hamilton
6 responses to “Can We See Ourselves Here?”
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Very creative Kristin, and well summarized for the book Wild Swans. I love the lines, “Atrocities through three generations; But don’t we have our own Wild Swans?” So tragically true. Through therapy, I help empower the modern “Wild Swans” of this generation. It’s a satisfying experience to see a wounded, defeated woman rise to her full strength. It’s an honor to participate in her self-recovery. Thanks for your artistic summary of the book.
You really capture the essence of the book. China became a superpower in the 20 century by putting the government over the populace. Not only did the weak suffer, millions died.
Is is a cautionary tale?
That is a good question and point of truth! Thanks for you post
A poignant reminder that atrocities cross the political spectrum and we– historically and present– have not been immune to institutional inhumanity. Thanks for your creativity.
Removing obstacles, or are they heralds?
Shut them down. We know best.
Kristin, thank you for your beautiful contemplation. It seems every generation has its own blind spots.
(And I’m looking forward to your Haiku on the next book!!!)
Thank you, Kristen.