John Chu
If I Should Go?. (in memory of Mr. Chupei Chu by Pauline Chu for John Chu) If I should go in my sleep, Do not cry for me, my child; For that means I go in peace With aches and pains all mild. If I leave still with some of my wits, Consider it a blessing– For that means I?m not going While my loved ones are stressing. I am lucky to have lived so long, Achieved some goals, though not all. For who amongst us can boast That he?s done everything, big and small? I have lived on two continents And traveled to one more. I?ve met ambassadors and presidents And consul-generals galore. I was presented to an emperor Revered by his people as a god. Did not faze me one bit, my dear, For we?re all the same, peon or lord. Music and art I have enjoyed, Playing er-hu to Beijing opera. Calligraphy too, my brush I employed On translucent rice papers. Fine citizens my sons turned out to be; Hard-working and true to their roots. They and their children are now my legacy, With one great-grandchild to boot. So if I go in my sleep, do not weep, Harbor no regret, my dear ones; We have said our good-byes. My journey here is done.