Rosemary Dobson - Flute Music

[mythomanic]

Flute Music

Hsi K'ang, preparing himself for death,
Wrote to a friend in a distance province.

It was done. Folding back his sleeves
He took up his flute

And as he walked to the place of execution
He played a new tune.

It was a strange colour, a young moon,
A ball balanced on a fountain.

Wonderful, wonderful, cried the people crowding behind him.
Oh wonderful! Wonderful!

Hsi K'ang put away his flute saying
That is the end of it.

And having arrived at the place of execution
Submitted to the swordsman.

We who walk backwards from birth waving and smiling
Will walk also towards death.

And who can tell when it is time to turn and walk forwards,
To fold the sleeves neatly

Having written a letter to a friend in a distance country,
Intent and tranquil,

To hold the flute sideways to the mouth and stepping lightly
Advance with music

The notes unknown to us
And by none remembered after our death.

-- Rosemary Dobson