I am a Terrorist

Artwork by Amina

I have horns,
two fangs
and a dragonfly tail.

Chased away from my home,
hiding from fear,
saving my life,
doors slammed on my face,

justice constantly denied,
patience is tested
on television, battered
in front of the silent majority
pushed against the wall,
from that dead end
I have returned.

I am the humiliation
you gulped down
with flattened nose.

I am the shame
you buried in darkness.

I am a terrorist
shoot me down.

Cowardice and fear
I left behind
in the valley
among the meowly cats
and lapping dogs.

I am single,
I have nothing
to lose.

I am a bullet
I do not think

from the tin shell
I leap for that thrilling
2-second life
and die with the dead.

I am the life
you left behind.

Tenzin Tsundue is the leading Tibetan English-language poet-in-exile. His book of poems is entitled Crossing the Border. He is also a prominent activist in the cause of Tibet's freedom from Chinese occupation. The above poem was submitted to The Daily Star for publication.