Semantics (on U.S. letter to China regarding spyplane incident) The State Department with its lexicon Mulls translations into Chinese With daily tinkering of language, The Mandarin pride to appease. For every synonym of "sorry", Our great minds look through the list For ways to avoid responsibility For walking into their fist. Our emissaries despatched to the East Persuade and cajole and plea While Beijing's interpreters are hard at work In pinyin pinheadery. In sorrow, regret, in rue and remorse, We weep our tears of salt, Commiseration and empathy But not our shame or fault. April 10, 2001