By Douglas J. Lanzo
Copyright 2021

First published in The Society of Classical Poets Journal (online edition) on November 29, 2021

Dedicated to Peng Shuai

A voice cried out decrying her assault,
Courageously to light the way for truth
Against one high up preying on her youth—
A Vice Premier accused of this grave fault.
Unlocking secrets stored within a vault
That no one else had dared to find or sleuth,
She opened wounds that only she could soothe—
A tennis star that many still exalt.

Once in her tender years some fixed her heart—
Which gave her faith and passion in her game.
Defying odds and rising to the top,
A household name in China, blessed with fame,
World number one in doubles—but this part
They fixed for her now feels more like a prop.