Let Our Children Grow in a Healthy Environment (Part 5 of 6) July 18-19, 2013, France

“I love my hometown and the lovely bamboo grove. I love the blue river casting golden sand next to the pavilion. I love the carefree moonlight on the cheeks of a young woman weaver. I love far-stretching rice fields cultivated by thousands of attentive hands. I love the simple thatched house sheltering our countryside mother. I love a tender bond pledging faithfulness amidst work songs. I love the old levee leading to the village market. And I love the bamboo bridge where Master will return. Let us gaily play and sing like children Poor yet contented, who wouldn’t smile in happiness? Heaven bestows rain and shine for fields to abound in golden rice. Villagers await new harvests to nourish and comfort my heart. I love my hometown, even more today than ever. I love the birds flying by, bringing news of peace and harmony. I love my brothers and sisters. I love this country and the Heavens near and far. (And I love far-stretching rice fields) And I love beautiful Master unfaded through a thousand years. This is where they changed. Let us gaily play and sing like children Poor yet contented, who wouldn’t smile in happiness? Heaven bestows rain and shine for fields to abound in golden rice. Villagers await new harvests to nourish and comfort my heart. I love my hometown, even more today than ever. I love the birds flying by, bringing news of peace and harmony. I love my brothers and sisters. I love this country and the Heavens near and far. (And I love a blossoming romance) And I love beautiful Master unfaded through a thousand years. I love my brothers and sisters. I love this country and the Heavens near and far. (And I love a blossoming romance) And I love beautiful Master unfaded through a thousand years. Beautiful song! (Bravo!)” “(Let’s recite poems, Master.) (‘Country Mother,’ Master.) The vegetable garden is richly verdant A flock of chicks makes it their haven Our country mother toils away To raise her many young children. O Country Mother, the rooster crows on the bamboo tree top We have not seen you since you left for the early morning market We await your sweet smile and delicious treats! When it rains, our elderly country mother’s clothes are drenched With abundant rain, rice plants will thrive It’s sweltering in the yard, under the sunshine O Country Mother, you don’t mind morning or night Having no desire for anything, even as time passes by Working by the sweat of your brow for your children’s happiness. When thirsty, we wish for a full glass of water How we miss the love of our old country mother! When winter comes, only a thin blanket covers her frail body While her grandchildren sleep warm and tight. O Country Mother, leaving for a distant world Since the time our homeland becomes a vague memory Gazing toward the countryside, tears are flowing.”