Moonrise: A Hymn to the UN and China at 50

Happy birthday United Nations,

A 76-year history, of triumphs and tribulations,

Peace is the essence of our foundation.

Our several voices, interblending,

It’s the holy ground, where all are brothers and sisters, 

None faceless others. [1]

Yet

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why does the moon tend to be full,

when people are apart? [2]

With words we lie, 

Can say peace,

When we mean war, 

Foul thought speak fair. [1]

There is still bloodshed, and ink spilled, and voices raised in anger,

People displaced, impoverished, abandoned, dying of hunger.

But—

There is a promise, that I can confirm,

The charter of the United Nations signed in San Francisco stands firm.

From charter to chamber, from ideas to reality,

following the great wars, building a comity. 

Forging peace, a north star, a beacon of hope,

We the people unite, to advance the Sustainable Development Goals,

The UN remains committed to a better world for all.

China has risen, like a Phoenix rising from the ashes of pain and indignation,

Its 5000-year civilization, a pillar of its wisdom and determination.

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A Nation has set forth, 

freeing her people from the shackles of poverty,

A country united and determined to advance prosperity,  

Embracing human development and humanity.

As we mark 50 years this month of China’s return to its lawful seat at the United Nations.

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We rejoice, a golden jubilee,

may we all be blessed with peace and longevity,

to sharing the beauty of the moon, [2]

in compassion and solidarity.

[1] Hymn to the United Nations, W.H. Auden

[2] Shuidiao Getou, Su Shi