81.A Pair of Bamboo Shoots

(Sung by Men and Women Together)

Like two trees that grow tall together,

Like two bamboo shoots that emerge together,

We were born at the same time.

Our mothers raised us up.

Our parents arranged for us to marry.

The date and time of our births were written down and entrusted to Heaven and Earth,

The four“corners”of our birth were written out and presented to the light of the moon.

But now we are both worried,

Sighing we look at each other,

Because you will die before I do.

You die first,and I take care of everything.

I invite a shaman to come.

I buy incense and paper money to burn for you,

In mourning for you,my lover.

A widow now,I go about barefoot with unkempt hair.

I wail for you three times.

For three nights,I keep wake until dawn.

When the sky is light,I go at noon,

To accompany your coffin to the tomb.

After the crowd,has gone away,

Only I remain to watch over your grave,

So that no water will wash over your grave,

So that no wind will blow over your grave.

So that no road will pass over your grave.

So that you will have peace in your grave.

Tomorrow I will bring you a meal.

I will take it to your grave.

I will give it to you on my knees,

But can you eat it?