Chu Yuan

Chu Yuan

On the fifth day of the fifth Moon,
a suicidal death at the Milo River.
In present day China--a Dragon Boat Festival
and offerings of rice, cast on the water.
A Silent Flute plays your poetry for centuries.

On this fortunate day,
your soul of precious jade--
a gift to the waters.
Clouds turn to emerald orchids.
The Eternal Blue Palace
sends the dragons back to their lairs,
except for one--who watches--and listens--
the Great Harmony sung by Solitude.
A whistling wind brings a rainbow
to walk on to the White Waters.
Rest in the Purple Shell...
close to your Heaven,
and far from our hell...

If this River still flows,
let it flow backwards,
and I will go.

                                    from "Whistling Past the Graveyard"