“小明 ‘Xiao Ming’”, Lucas Cheng
I.
O, the ancients spoke wisely,
Somber and sincere!
The man of many lives
He who once walked…
II.
His feet of lightning-fire
His mercurial speech, quick
Of mind and manner
One phrase, perfect weather
III.
How children spoke of him in tales,
Across time and tide, portrayed
With reverence, portrayed
With envy.
IV.
Graciousness infinite,
Helping the Old-Ones
On streams of asphalt,
Away from beasts of steel and thunder!
V.
Listen, now, closely -
He is your Beowulf, your Hou Yi,
Your Hanuman,
Your fortunate son.
VI.
Live as he did,
Speak as he spoke,
Xiao Ming of guile,
Xiao Ming of dreams
Spoken
And not.