Alas, my friend Wu Zi, snatched by heaven so fast.
Your mind was a tapestry, elegant and vast.
Your speech on worldly affairs, insightful and bright,
Startled the dull eyes with its illuminating light.
Filial and friendly, a model for the neighborhood,
In times of crisis, you alarmed even servants for good.
Back in the capital of Jianye, we served the same lord,
Though of different surnames, like brothers we soared.
A day without meeting, letters would frequently fly,
At midnight, your pure image in dreams would draw nigh.
I mourned my lost spouse, you pitied my lonely plight,
Years passed after parting, I heard of your sorrow's blight.
Shared suffering breeds compassion, though in distant lands,
Our bond grew stronger, held in mutual hands.
I wished to wed my sister to you, you scorned not our clan,
Two poor souls met, bringing harmony to our span.
You went to govern Jian'an, to uplift Min's folk,
Transforming the stubborn without whip or yoke.
The people sang your praise along the road,
Officials recommended you, a heavy load.
Yet the prefect was harsh, pressing the people sore,
For two years unexamined, bearing blame galore.
You were trapped by official duties, burdened and worn,
When suddenly my sister to the ghost realm was torn.
Grief filled the house as I entered, tears soaked my clothes as I left,
A swift steed shouldn't be harnessed, a salt cart breaks its shaft.
The obituary came, a letter I could barely read,
The pain too great, my heart began to bleed.
I hid it from my mother, but should your mother know?
Life must end, but your death is unjust, a cruel blow.
Alas, your late father, from wild lands broke free,
His legacy from Tongxiang, life moved to Shu's lea.
A pure virtue can be sown, but stony fields yield no grain,
Your mother now in hall, how to sustain?
Your brother alone supports the door,
How to fund the plough and build the floor?
Three sons need guidance, a daughter awaits care,
I'm ashamed my poverty shares little to spare.
I planned to seek a post, to fund a family school,
This wish unfulfilled, my life can't redeem the rule.
Your study by the cliff, near Purple Logic's bend,
We once climbed together, vowed a house to tend.
Why this morning's reality? Last night's dream can't extend.
Your lifelong joyful hill, now buries this jade friend.
Though offerings are laid at the grave's array,
They can't match grass that on the tomb would stay.
Alas, my friend Wu Zi, in the wind, tears fill my hands.