Pretty P’ing-yang, you are in England tonight
Studying international law and government,
But I remain alone in China
Draped in the soft glow of a lonely moon
With my mind swimming in a pool of dreams
While I long to be with you.
Your little brother and sister
Are proud of you,
Everyone has confidence in your endeavors,
I myself adore you
But wish we were together.
I walk everyday by the same field
Where we first kissed and the flowers blushed,
But now they weep because I’m sad.
Perhaps tonight, your English friends
Will take you to a concert or a play,
Perhaps, you will read poetry in a London bookstore,
But I will write you a letter
That I cannot afford to mail
Since the international rates are high
And you know how I work
To see that my old parents are well.
Tomorrow, I will gaze at yellow azaleas
And pretend I’m caressing your shoulders
With kisses and tears.
Dedicated to Ivy Christou
Leave a Reply