The first heavy snow in the winter of Beijing,
With the heartbreaking chill,
Came the message of the sudden death of my old friend, Sam Moyo.
He seemed to be quietly leaving amidst the fleeting snowflakes…

Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong -- his traces were everywhere,
Conference halls, villages, classrooms -- his voices echoed around,
In my mind, I see his image active in different places in China,
In my heart, I cherish his warm smiles and sharp views.

Sam Moyo has departed. Yet, he is still among us.

* Prof Wen Tiejun is with Rural Reconstruction Movement, Beijing, China.