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This writing was accepted for publication in the 108 page perfect-bound ISSN# / ISBN# issue/book “Drowning in the Darkness” Down in the Dirt, v174 (the August 2020 Issue) Order the paperback book:

Order this writing that appears in the one-of-a-kind anthology Outside the Box the Down in the Dirt May-Aug. 2020 issues collection book		get the 422 page May-Aug. 2020 Down in the Dirt 6" x 9" ISBN# paperback book:

We Forgot Hong Kong

Andrew Lasher

A fourteen year old girl stands defiant
among the wreckage of Hong Kong
Teargas mingled with smoke billows
Sacrificing her future to preserve it.

Caustic smoke
mask filters
goggles block
She retrieves the canister
emitting poison
Throws it back
to the police line
Fires burn on all four sides
and through the gloves
protecting her fourteen year old fingers.

Man on the burning bridge
throws a brick - admitting to his fear
He knows no other way

The smoke is not smoke
Some is, but most just burns

Eyes, lungs burning with
false fire created in a factory
by the oppressed to be used
on the soon to be oppressed
in creative, less lethal ways.

Dead animals emerge as the
smoke not smoke disperses
People, children in masks
defend their lives against
relentless ongoing pressure
A smoke not smoke dragon
intent on controlling no matter the cost
Paid for with the blood of others

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