if only
we had known
we would have
stayed behind
not looked
for an escape
taken life
as our punishment
let them have
their way with us
even enjoyed their demon
cultural products
bought a Kylie CD
watched Neighbours
played footy
learned to rap
be more like Mike
be true blue
but we didn't
want to be like them
so into the tunnels
we were forced
Now I call for you
even yelling out
'come-on-Aussie, come on'
But I know they will soon
seal this tunnel
cutting off
our joining together
escape
So I will scribble
on these walls
like our ancestors
before us
knowing someday
a future
archaeologists
finding our remains
will know
we alone
managed to break free.

Portland Oregon 1969