Far away in China

Far away in China
the people sometimes say
life is often bitter
and all too seldom gay.
Bitter as dragon tears
great cascades of sorrow
flood down all the years
drowning our tomorrow.

Far away in China
the people also say
life is sometimes joyous
if all too often gray
although life is seasoned
with bitter dragon tears

Seasoning is just a spice
within our brew of years
bad times are only rice
tears are one more flavour
that gives us sustenance
something we can savour.