Bitterness
collects through the years —
what though I
sit from year
to year collecting merits
for my piety?

In our youth,
we three were heroes,
sworn brothers —
what though our
arms won you a land to rule?
What did you fear then —

that you were
led so easily
to kill your
general
and his reputation too?
His name is silent.

I live now
in the ashes of
my honor.
I can hope
my son will be my better,
better worth our name.

Mei Changsu
asks, Are you willing?
How can I
tell him that
my own silence grinds me down?
How could I say no?