The ancient temple's gates stand open wide,
Wind and rain have peeled its walls, stained pillars' side.
I come, unknowing where the spirit may reside,
In the vaulted hall, banners flutter, whispers glide.
The god's huge form, with bristling brows, I see,
Stares down at me, sitting cross-legged, disdainfully.
Trembling viewers are struck with dread, not glee,
As ghosts behind display their might, a fearsome spree.
Eastward through winding corridors I tread,
More monstrous sights appear, enough to fill with dread.
Horses, oxen, sheep, dogs, mixed with swine and fowl,
Some wear heads on their limbs, a gruesome scowl.
Some have human faces, bodies strange and foul,
The old priest steps forth, speaking for the crowd.
His lips mumble, words unclear, a muffled sound,
Describing shapes, he glances all around.
He chants names, but who can tell who's bound?
Empty, silent, not what I hoped to be found.
Could these be human corpses, laid in state?
Their skin looks mottled, like a wild cat's fate.
How could they have intact livers, spleens so straight?
Some hold tools, as if to demonstrate.
They say plagues thrive on such a base,
In ancient days, stars Xu and Wei showed their face.
Fearing dark forces that ghosts might chase,
They drove them out with rites, a frantic race.
Why now build this temple for such a case?
Ignoring how it spreads disease, a weakling's brace.
In famine years, farmers suffer hunger's trace,
If lucky to eat, they'll pray any place.
They come, bow low, with reverent grace,
Hoping heaven's favor they might embrace.
Fearing to miss the time to repay the divine,
They offer rich meats, fish, and wine.
Wishing to pour libations, cups they shine,
With countless thanks, bowing low in line.
Drums sound in court, shamans dance in gown,
Priests announce the god drunk, blessings come down.
Farmers thank the god, priests clear the ground,
Leftovers discarded, scattered around.
Crows swoop down, competing, no flight found,
Looking back, the god's face wears the same frown.
It seems unmoved by sacrifice or sound,
Alas, the god's mind I have never known.