Wars and battles

were passed into history.

Horns and drums

had faded away.

Smiles emerged as if the heroes

were still alive.

Dusty roads and smoke signals,

ancient paths and city gates,

had gone into oblivion.

Months and years had buried

the big names.

Rises and falls are

determined by God knows whom.

Reunions and departures are

a matter of Karma,

leaving people to wonder and suffer.

Obligations matter in one's lifetime,

so why bother pondering

what comes after you.

The Yangtze River, touched,

turns into tears.

The mighty river, sorrowful,

sings glorious songs.

The fabric of history is

embroidered with few stars.

Yet the spirit of heroism

rises and prevails.