Anthems

(last night in the intermediate vocabulary class)

Star Spangled Banner, a few bars and laughter of recognition.
 Then China’s brings evasive laughter, all the many separate reasons,
 family, politics, ambition, religion,
 to be here, not there, 
 (then what about Taiwan …)

For Vietnam, they insist on a bit of both,
 banter about which is better,
 light and civil though the wounds are deep.

Myanmar, never mind, he says.

I ask Cecile where she is from, and find the Ivory Coast.
 An instrumental, so she starts to sing along,
 first low, then beautifully proud and full. 
 We listen to the end, and all applaud.