A Snapshot

13 Xu Zhimo Xu Zhimo (1897-1931) was one ofthe leading poets in the efflorescencefollowing thefall of the Ching Dynasty. He was thefounder of the Crescent Society, which emphasized the vernacular along with innovative uses ofform. Well knownfor his relationships with many women, there is a very popular soap opera in China about his life. A Snapshot That pile of garbage in the alley Was probably just dumped out of the red-lacquered doors. Partially burnt coal among ashes. Some leftover bones may still have marrows, Thin meaty-strands sticking to the cavity. There are half-rotted clothes, intact newspapers, Two or three lamp stems, half-smoked cigarettes. The garbage pile's a mountain Covered with bent-over people looking for gold, A tattered army in shabby blue jackets and pants. One, two, then too many to count, stick their buttocks high. Little girls, middle-aged and elderly women, One hand pulling a wicker basket, the other carrying a stick, Squat deeply; they don't cough, gossip, Or bicker; they just fish what they can from the ashes, Probe in front, behind, on all sides. Shoulder to shoulder, jowl to jowl, they poke and stir. An old woman picks out a good piece of cloth. Some look for coal scattered in cinders. "Ma," a little girl calls, "I got a piece of good meat. Let's go home and cook it with old bean curd. OK?" A tattered army of merry-go-round figures Turns around, turns around, and turns around. There are little girls, middle-aged and elderly women. Yellow dogs dart between, take advantage of the confusion. Translated by Robert Dorsett and S. W. Ko ...