ANCESTRAL HERITAGE

by Constantin von Hoffmeister

in tibet the candles burn
swastika on palm and flag
fair expedition restless roaming
roots beneath the stupas shine
legions in berlin all crisp
buddhists for the dome they fell
high and low the strangers greet
the roof all peace and solitude
the mountain and the city burn
god soldiers march their path alight
and solemn monks in arms join free
for europa white and spirit they fight
hedin's call to the youth of the world
resounding in rubble valor and life
the palace in lhasa displays the sign
a race seduced by filthy soot
afresh the cultural wave that flows
amidst the stain remains a pure grain
march the cosmos tarnished troops!
their banner burned but still alive
the soul as always radiant!