Watching television last night I caught a glimpse of scenes filmed by British journalists posing as charity workers in a number of Chinese orphanages. I did not sleep. Babies were being left to die in special rooms set aside for the purpose. The lucky ones, allowed to live, were kept clean and dressed, in low chairs with their legs tied tightly asplay over potties. They appeared unattended and unable to move.

I felt unable to continue viewing, but my son did and tells me that since the documentary was originally aired, the Chinese government has ceased these inhumane practices.

The story behind the poem is included in my forthcoming book, Green Living, Sacred Life, coauthored by Tye Jamie Coxston (Capall Bann)