An exile has nothing, even a tomb, though last and key. <br />Buried in foreign land, my corpse might not decompose, <br />My spirit can't leave, how to repatriate as they suppose? <br /> <br />When I have expired, take me to the heavy swells; <br />The adverse current will push my body without knells. <br />On the other side of the sea is my native soil, <br />Rows of bamboos thru time remain green despite coil. <br /> <br />When I have deceased, take me to the Pacific beach; <br />Remember not too soon to close my eyes, both or each, <br />So I may direct them towards my country a last time, <br />Lest my remains should not return to my dear clime. <br /> <br />When I have departed, take me to the west coast; <br />Do not hesitate or feel compassion for me this ghost. <br />Years ago, to fishes lots of people did fall prey; <br />Then, what's the use of one more distorted body, eh! <br /> <br />When I have faded away, take me to the ocean <br />For me to see again my children there, what emotion! <br />For me to watch them shed their hot tears stark <br />From their eyeballs that are already sadder than dark. <br /> <br />When I have gone forever, take me to the seaside, <br />And don't forget our national anthem singing to bide <br />(Oh, long since, nobody has chanted it anymore, <br />The song now has become almost a specter to bore.) <br /> <br />When I am dead, that melancholy will definitely end, <br />My exile's life and my nostalgic soul will well blend.<br /><br />Nhuan LeXuan<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/when-i-have-passed-away-take-me-to-the-sea/
