IN MAO'S MAUSOLEUM
In the largest square in the world
Silence prevails.
The crowd
(Twisting like a dragon)
Files reverently
(Four by four)
Towards the sacred mausoleum
Open like heaven.
Inside, eternity awaits
With its mythical waxen face.
This is the China born from millenia,
Repository of ancient gods and spirits,
Kneeling in front of the new god of a new people.
Then the crowd moves off,
With a slow but sure step,
Towards the future.
(2.8.1987)
ON THE MARBLE BOAT OF SUMMER PALACE
The last empress of the Ching Dynasty
Gazed at the sleepy lake from her lofty balcony
And ordered that no oar should crumple
The silken dream dress of moonlit nights.
Later, as she leaned over and watched
Her pallid face floating in the still blue waters,
She ordered that no rudder should crack
The mirrored image of the gentle moon.
And she ordered a boat-pavillion
With inlaid marble and discreet display
So she could stroke, with subtle caress,
The satin surface and perfect mirror.
Now the boat rests at the water's edge,
cold and beautiful,
An imperial folly, a wonder for the world.
- Oh, if only I could create a journey in it
And travel, triumphant, the depths of my soul.
(3.8.1987)
Illustration by Un Chi Iam © copyright 1988
ON THE GREAT WALL
This imperial crown, crowning the mountains, Ennobled by centuries of military might.
Its haughty towers stand distant.
When the moonlight patrols,
They can be seen from the moon.
(4.8.1987)
Translated by Lúcia Pombeiro
Illustration by Un Chi Iam © copyright 1988
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