Langdon Warner(1881-1955) in Dunhuang

Arriving late,

he had no manuscripts to buy for a pittance

from an old Daoist,

so he hacked off what murals he could,

took a couple of statues as an extra

and announced

the imminent destruction of the rest

to sooth his conscience

and shield his reputation.

United States had come late

to the Caves of the Thousand Buddhas,

but had still it's share

of empty holes in frescoes

to remind people of it's visit.

07.06.2013