Sacrifices

1. I’ve been sick and have nothing to say. My beard is like hoarfrost on a rock. My youngest son thought I was sick, but my mouth was red from the wine. 2. Village elders thought I’d be a hermit— too proud to mingle with commoners. At the fork in the old road beside the stream, people are in a hurry and don’t stop to talk. 3. People do without rice when the boats are late. I’m doing my part by drinking wine. Tomorrow I sacrifice to the kitchen god; my reward will be chicken and a jug of wine.