They call her the Silver Songstress
for her grey hair shines like finely wrought tempered steel
with a voice as smooth as silk and rich as matsutake for appeal.

Concubine to Shi Chong an official to the Emperor Wu of Jin
Lüzhu is bewitching and graceful holding all entranced
She plays the flute and at times composed music and danced.

In the Golden Valley Garden the court assembles
a joy to hear poems she's turned into songs and performed
her sweet tones soothing hearts and all emotions warmed.

Oh beguiling songstress who the birds flock to hear
her reputation as an entertainer brings the Imperial Court
a member intrigued by rumours and demanding she's bought.

Alas for him Shi Chong has grown to love and value her
she's his Muse and what would life be if she left his side?
so he refuses the request and they in turn demand his suicide.

Lüzhu the Silver Songstress spreads her wings to fly
her swan song is a tune of regret not wanting her love to die
but as he does, up she goes to the top of a tree from Shanghai.

And she sways in the breeze at one with the plum trees
as the clouds roll by and tears track down her pale cheek
sings her final refrain and falls insane lost to the death she'll seek.

Silent in the undergrowth where the blossom falls
like tears petals follow her down to rest upon a twisted frame
In Huangmei county in Hubei is a 1600 year old plum tree, the same.

And it still blooms to this day in recognition of her devotion
while in the air is an echo of her songs and a flute faint but clear
Lüzhu may have died but her spirit still dances and sings right here.




© .Garry Saunders