An angry dog barks,

Signalling my arrival.

Shan Palace,

Proof of a different era.

Fern invites me to visit 

90 year-old prayer house.

Steps as decayed,

As Shan kingdoms.

The east Haw housed,

The last Saopha, Sao Kya Hseng.

Returning from studies in Colorado,

A prince fought for change:

Farmer owned lands,

Tractors for workers,

Alleviation of poverty.

Thoughts of Shan rebellion ripened.

Kya Hseng declined to lead,

Preferring parliament settlement.

1962 coup,

His arrest and death unconfirmed.

Family awaits confirmation

to hold a funeral.

His wife and children,

Fled to Austria in fear.

Stories of her husband's fate,

Conflict.