Su Wu

(Han Dynasty 206BC - 220AD)

To A Husband

Since you and I

Exchanged the vows that made us one,

No shadow of distrust has marred our love.

Yet that hateful night

Crept on us unaware

Put an end to happiness,

And tore you from my arms.

You, ever fearing, ever watching

For the hour of the march,

Stood long

Looking out into the night.

The bright stars had long since hidden

In the deep heavens,

And the heavy darkness hung blacker still.

You took me in your arms and said:

"Farewell!

The battle calls,

And only Heaven knows

If we shall meet again!"

How tight you held my hand!

I can see yet

The tear that fell upon it,

And those words you whispered last

I treasure still:

"Do not forget the hours of life and love

That we have shared.

If I live,

I shall surely come back to you.

If I die,

Remember

That all my thoughts have always been of you."