Shangjao, Kiangsi, China
When I saw Shangjao for the first time --the
-----mission house was clearly visible
over the city wall --& Spirit Mountain to the north
-----stood out in the afternoon sun
my train clacking to the end of the line
Lost trains echo through the compound’s central
-----courtyard
confused among the porticos as though looking for -----the tracks
to Nanchang --destroyed by war
Drums now pick up the rhythm --as we watch
-----from the window of our room
We were wakened the other night here by a
-----creeping rat seeking winter stores
Now the fiery serpent crosses the tracks
-----creeping --like the plague
Down below lies the bomb that damaged the
-----corner of the house
As we watch from the window of our room the
-----lantern parade winds down toward the city
Drums beating --beating --beating --from all
-----directions at once
(This poem first appeared in Canadian Literature)
When I saw Shangjao for the first time --the
-----mission house was clearly visible
over the city wall --& Spirit Mountain to the north
-----stood out in the afternoon sun
my train clacking to the end of the line
Lost trains echo through the compound’s central
-----courtyard
confused among the porticos as though looking for -----the tracks
to Nanchang --destroyed by war
Drums now pick up the rhythm --as we watch
-----from the window of our room
We were wakened the other night here by a
-----creeping rat seeking winter stores
Now the fiery serpent crosses the tracks
-----creeping --like the plague
Down below lies the bomb that damaged the
-----corner of the house
As we watch from the window of our room the
-----lantern parade winds down toward the city
Drums beating --beating --beating --from all
-----directions at once
(This poem first appeared in Canadian Literature)
