In Memoriam (Trauermusik: the year 1911)

Abstract

Poem translated from Chinese to English, the original and translated verses are included here: In Memoriam (Trauermusik: the year 1911) by Choi Yim-pui Then the flowers, the roads, the footsteps towards the slope and the bell on top Walking pass I must, every day Walking pass I must, every day, looking at The cloud, the sky, the torn away piece The kapok knoll where trees breathe Then the lakes, the reflections, the landscape Giving you, the procession, seeing you off Receiving the wind, receiving the rain, receiving a tender last word (a last word tenderer than death) We received you, softly Children who have wept all night are not rivers, But banners, hairs, the Nation, Steel that has to be tested by salt Transmission bowls that have to be tested by revolution Be its first spear We received you, softly Then the flowers, the roads, the footsteps the profound abyss, the hairless slope Nineteen-eleven The salt, the steel, the transmission bowls In the year in which no corpses float on the Yellow River You told us that Then the flowers, the roads, the footsteps Country that has wept all night is not a painting But poems, blood, ink that is half-grinded We received you, softly We are the arms, the legs The shoulders bearing the casket The breathing that have just returned Giving you, the procession, seeing you off Giving you, a last word tenderer than death, seeing you off. 1967.6.12