I Know A Day Will Come
I know a day will come
when those I know and don't know
will enter my room
to collect my remains
and wash the darkened blood stains I've shed across the floor
rearrange the upturned able and chairs
toss out the moldering garbage
take in the clothing from the balcony
someone will help me write the poem I didn't have time to finish
someone will help me read the book I didn't have time to finish
someone will help me light the candle I didn't have time to light
last will be the curtains that haven't been opened for years
someone will help me open them, and let the sunlight in for a while
they will be closed again, and nailed there deathly tight
the whole process will be orderly and solemn
when everything is tidy
they will all line up to leave
and help me quietly shut the door
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from "Six Poems of Labor & Desperation"
translated from the Chinese by Eleanor Goodman
XU LIZHI (1990-2014)
