Altar For The Deceased(Shape Poem) Poem by Perdita Young (Hanna Wang)

On this day for commemorating, few forget the tears,
the heart-broken moments, when the dear ones left
for the other world, in spite of love, in spite of all...
They have to go, back to the dust,
yet they seem lifted in their spirit.

They turned into sacred tablets,
their photos hovered by incense.
As domestic taboos in family talks,
they remain alive in some hearts…
Silent listeners they are, they do cure,
disheartened mortals need `em protect.
O, bless, bless them as they plead and pray,
they are vulnerable, easily hurt, as mere clay!
The offerings of wine, food and fruits are tokens of respect,
the spirit money might bring decency in the unknown world.
By joss sticks and candles the beloved might be reached on this Day,
when the transient world be enlightened about Nature's eternal way.

April 5th,2010, the Tomb-Sweeping Day, in memory of the beloved ones who have departed for the other world.

祭亡诗

在这个祭奠日，谁会忘记曾流过的泪，
忘记那心碎的时刻，当亲人撒手人寰，
去另个世界，不管多么的不舍 不管一切？
他们不得不离去，复归尘土，
不过逝者的灵魂却得以提升；
他们变作了神圣的灵牌，
照片前面有香火和供奉。
他们是家人言谈中的避讳，
在一些人心里 虽死犹生。
是缄默的倾听者，却能治病，
沮丧时会向他们寻求庇护。
唉，请保佑人们，让祈祷灵验，
因为人很脆弱 易受伤，凡胎堪怜。
供奉清酒﹑食物，以及果品，只为表达追思，
焚烧的纸钱或可让未知世界里的灵魂过得体面。
借着香火﹑香烛，两个世界的亲人不再遥隔，
人世的短暂寄客，或可感悟大自然这不息的循环。