Matt Henson

FIGHTING SOUTH OF THE CASTLE An anonymous Chinese poem, circa 124 B.C.E They fought south of the Castle, They died north of the wall. They died in the moors and were not buried. Their flesh was the food of crows. "Tell the crows we are not affraid; We have died in the moors and cannot be buried. Crows, how can our bodies escape you?" The waters flowed deep, And the rushes in the pool were dark. The riders fought and were slain: Their horses wander neighing. By the bridge there was a house. Was it south, was it north? The harvest was never gathered. How can we give you your offerings? You served your Prince faithfully, Though all in vain. I think of you, faithful soldiers; Your service shall not be forgotten. For in the morning you went out to battle, And at night you did not return