Cartoon: Seven-Character Regulated Verse — Servants of the State

2008/4/1 6:50:33

After writing in the language of beasts, not drawing a cartoon felt like something was missing. Got up this morning and spent 5 minutes filling in this cartoon.

Servants of the State

Chán Zhōng Shuō Chán

The state's public servants compete at being incorruptible,
Each brandishing chicken feathers, playing King Yama.
Soft and hard, short and long—both hands grapple,
Right and wrong, black and white—all worn on one body.
Inner flowers bloom in secret pursuit of the crown's flower,
Tears forever follow the flood of drool.
A ten-thousand-foot cloud ladder built upon piled bones,
A thousand years of bamboo records add yet another fine name.