Tree Cemetery
By Wu Sheng
Plant a tree in place of a grave
Plant a patch of trees in place of a cemetery
Put a flowerbed around each tree
Lay the ashes of the deceased to rest by the stump
Buried or scattered among the flowers
Surrounded by mourning friends and family
Hands clasped in remembrance, contemplation, and farewell
Remembrance need not be the time
Relegated to the Tomb-sweeping Festival
Come together and water the tree
Press close to it, caress it, hug it
Perhaps you'll hear
The deceased still at your side, earnestly and sincerely exhort you
Don't forget to enjoy the good scenery
When the wind rustles leaves and branches
A flock of birds hopping and singing in the treetop
As if offering greetings
Sunlight, stars and moon provide company
The trees are in touch with each other
As if the memories of the deceased
Linked with each other underground
New and tender shoots sprout contentedly
Each affirming the fruit of cultivation
Souls moored at the foot of each tree
Resting peacefully, continue to grow
Regardless of how far they go
They'll return by the original road
To the cherished memories of friends and family
2005
Copyright Credit: Wu Sheng, "Tree Cemetery" from My Village: Selected Poems. Copyright © 2020 by Wu Sheng, translated by John Balcom. Reprinted by permission of Zephyr Press.
Source: My Village: Selected Poems (Zephyr Press, 2020)