Temple of Heaven, Beijing

Long ago the Son of Heaven climbed
the deep-carved ramp
to the white marble terrace
and under the red green blue gilt dome
fasted a night in prayer
for good harvests

priests by the stone altar
chanted the ritual music
to be heard only by the Emperor
and the elite

now around the temple
children ride on handlebars
in the park
pedaled by factory worker parents
on their day off

old men carry birds
in tiny temples
draped with cloth

a peasant holds his daughter
close to the circular wall
and whispers
to let her hear his words
travel around the wall
and back to them
as did the privileged eons ago

loud speakers expand the music
to be heard by everyone

the emperor's prayer
bears a bountiful
populist harvest.