Had She

Elizabeth T. Gray Jr.

Had she stayed

Had she not stepped up

Into the train that carried them down

From the hills to the plane

Home through Rangoon and Vientiane

She would know that

What kailāsaranashiva

chandramoulīphanīndramātāmukutī

zalālīkārunyasindhubhavadukhahārī

thujavīnashambomajakonatārī

In the cripple's mouth after he spat

At them at the standing boxcars

Means is

O Lord Shiva on Mount Kailash

Moon-Jeweled Serpent-Crowned

Ocean of Mercy Remover of Delusion

Protect me I surrender