The Unforgettable July

July is the historic month in Burma
Many events happened to remember
Some sad and sordid, other happier
But it’s more historic than ever.

On 7th July nineteen sixty two (1962)
Bloodbath occurred in crimson hue
Bo Ne Win issued order without a clue
To fire Rangoon University students who
Protest against his Government military might
That came to power without a fight
Now diminishing universities and students’ rights
It was really a bloody massacre that night!

He dynamited the Student Union Building
That was the historic monument of the nation
Where Aung San, Ko Nu and others envisioned
Independence of Burma and free education
For people to progress to peace and prosperity
For students to study science and society
For workers to work without worry for welfare
It was the cradle of Burma’s future leaders.

Ne Win had habit of harming historic relics
He destroyed workers’ column with relish
He said it was a monument for communists
He dynamited stone slab for Aung Kyaw’s statute
Where patriotic students used to salute
As Aung Kyaw was killed by British brutes
With mounted horses and baton practice
He fell, cracked his head and was vanquished.

Ne Win even moved the Kyandaw Cemetery
From centre of the city to its periphery
It had tombs of Burma’s heroes and hierarchy
Dr Ba Than, Bamaw Tin Aung and many literati
Even his wife Khin May Than and other Devis
Dagon Khin Khin Lay, Ma Ma Lay and koomari
Thakhin Soe and his rowdy Red Flag followers
Bo Ne Win must be haunted and frightened, I’m sure.


And there is 19th July Martyr’s Day
Burma cannot forget it in any way
Bogyoke Aung San was murdered on that day
Eight of his followers were also slay
It was grave, gloomy and godless day
The court found U Saw and his lackeys
Guilty without reasonable doubts, they say
U Ne Win and his cohorts’ roles were also in play.

On the brighter side, July is jolly
It’s in Burma raw and very rainy
Fruits and flies fight with families
Mango and mice mix maliciously
Boys and girls frolic in water merrily
Dagon Taryar’s lovers locked hands lustily
Buddhist monks lie in lent languidly
It’s time of year to spend time silently.

Many bright persons were born this month
Princess Diana denoted dainty and dalliance
George W Bush is US President of war in defiance
Dalai Lama and Mandela grace the great grant
Hawthorne and Hemingway were in literary front
Dr Mya Tu led Burma medical research giants
Yours faithfully is also not to be left relent
He heals, he teaches, he writes, time well spent.

July was named after Julius Caesar
He was honored by his nephew Czar
Augustus by adding his name and Caesar’s
Thus he added two months to the year
So we have 12 months instead of ten here
Gregorian calendar has changed for ever
10th month December becomes 12th in number
People accept it, a whopping world wonder.

So, how do you like to look at July?
As a month you want to cry!
Or a time you want to ply
In a boat with your sweetheart
Picking Thabye Thi and eat smart
Or observing Buddhist Sabbath
Or read and write to your heart content
In any way it will be a time well spent!

Dr Maung Maung Nyo (5.7.2008)