From ksaycoci@nermal.santarosa.eduSun Apr 23 15:22:53 1995
Date: 22 APR 95 04:37:25 GMT 
From: Satchatharm <ksaycoci@nermal.santarosa.edu>
Newsgroups: soc.culture.laos
Subject: FOR THE OTHER LAO 


Satchatharm presents:

			For the other Lao

	Most of us were not born poor
	but everywhere we look
	poverty reigns.

	We never went to bed hungry
	but most of our fellows did.

	They said:
	"What on earth do we
	deserve this?"

	Yes, they are right.
	They deserve much
	better than that
	but why do they get
	what they get?

	Let's put it's beyond
	our abilities to answer.
	Besides,
	nobody wants to listen.
	They would say
	it's just pure rationalization.

	So let's put
	the question in another way.
	What could we do to help
	those less fortunate
	and alleviate poverty.

	One thing I know for sure
	everyone of us could do:
	That's giving out
	what we have in plenty.
	Those who have knowledge
	gives knowledge.
	Those who have money
	gives money.
	And those who have compassion
	gives compassion.

	Even though
	they were born poor,
	wherever they look
	compassion reigns.
	Even though
	they used to go to bed hungry,
	now they would go to bed full.

	Just imagine.
	What a new life
	it would be for them
	- the other Lao!

			Hak Phaang,
			Kongkeo Saycocie