18 June 2008

Chinese As She Is Writ

The poem was originally published in the June 6 issue of Qilu Evening News, a newspaper circulated mainly in Shandong province. In the poem, Wang impersonated a dead victim expressing his gratitude to the government from his grave.

"天灾难避死何诉,主席唤,总理呼,党疼国爱,声声入废墟。十三亿人共一哭,纵做鬼,也幸福。银鹰战车救雏犊,左军叔,右警姑,民族大爱,亲历死也足。只盼坟前有屏幕,看奥运,共欢呼。“

Here is rather literal translation:
"Natural disaster is inevitable, so what should I complain about my death? The president calls, the Premier asks, the Party cares, the country is concerned, the voice goes into the rubbles. One billion and thirty million people shed tears, I felt happy even as a ghost. Silver eagles and army vehicles came to rescue, soldiers, police officers - the great love! I am satisfied to die. I only wish I could have a TV set so I could watch the Olympic Games and cheer with others."

Ah, yes, TV sets....

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