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