We shall not ask for the precious pearl of the Duke of Sui, <br />nor for the priceless jade disk of Master Ho. <br />We merely ask for the recent news of our homeland. <br />The Palace of Spiritual Illumination must be still there, <br />surrounded by desolation. <br />What's happened to the stone statues buried deep in the grass, <br />still guarding the Imperial tombs? <br />Is it true that our people left behind in the occupied territories <br />are still planting mulberry trees and hemp? <br />Is it true that the rear guard of the Barbarians <br />only patrols the city walls? <br /> <br />This widow's father and grandfather were born in Shantung. <br />Although they never held high office, their fame spread far and wide. <br />I remember when they carried on animated discussions <br />with other scholars by the city gate. <br />The listeners were so crowded that their sweat fell like rain. <br />Their offspring crossed the Yangtse River to the South many years ago. <br />Drifting in the rapids, they mingled with refugees. <br /> <br />I send blood-stained tears to the mountains and rivers of home, <br />And sprinkle a cup of earth on East Mountain. <br />I imagine when Your Lordship, His Majesty's envoy, upholding the Imperial spirit, <br />passes through our two capitals, K'ai Feng and Lo Yang, <br />Thousands of people would line the streets and present tea and broth <br />to welcome you.... <br /> <br />Announce that the Emperor's heart aches for the suffering people--- <br />they are his own children. <br />Let them understand that the Will of Heaven remembers all living beings. <br />Our sagacious Emperor offers his trust which is as brilliant as the sun. <br />There is no need to negotiate many times after the long chaos of the years.<br /><br />Li Ch'ing Chao<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/to-lord-hu-2/
