Ballad of the Neighborhood Shaman

If people in this neighborhood get sick,
they'll never take a drug;
as soon as His Lordship God arrives
the demon of sickness leaves.
They run to welcome the old shaman
who brings the god at night,
when white sheep and red carp in profusion
are offered up to him.
A man and woman earnestly
bow before the altar:
“Our family is poor and has no meat,
oh god, please take no offense!”
The old shaman beats the drum,
dances now and sings;
paper money swishing, swishing
in burgeoning dark wind.
The shaman proclaims,
“Originally, your life was to run out here,
but the god, mindful of your devotion,
has postponed your death!”
The shaman escorts the god to his horse,
and walks out of the door;
the family climb up on the roof,
and cry to the soul to return.
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Author of original: 
Kao Ch'i
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