January 22, 2025
Pu Songling was one of China’s most popular writers. His story collection, “Strange Tales from Liaozhai,” is one of the best known works in China. He lived during the 17th century and became a school teacher and tutor to help students pass civil service exams. During his life, he grieved over the loss of his brother and also his wife, whom he married at 17. When she passed, they had been married 56 years.
Weeping for My Older Brother
On New Year’s Eve, we had an earnest, lengthy talk.
Who would’ve expected, looking back, that he’d have passed away!
It’s truly like I’m in a dream, unable to hear his speaking and laughing,
But the misery and bitterness of choked sobs have already soaked my clothing.
Only brothers are so connected that they always think of each other,
How could their grief be greater than if one is living while the other is dead?
After returning, I sit alone in my study,
It’s as if the sound of his steps has reached my thatched cottage.
(Translated by Sid Sondergard)
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