Island Poem by Yang Lian

You're right in life's chamber music
either listen with total attention or else switch off
Water one drop can perfectly lock up these shores

The crash of waves has no gap is like a tailored body
still sitting on the rock the lilac-scented surrounding ocean
still striking at a little girl's unceasing gaze into distance

Purple or white petals are stored in the eyes
all through the springtime night, dark rings around the eyes
keep opening torn by where she looks far away

Suffering is that waiting, underwater pearl
what turns old is salt low sobbing in every wave
The fierce wind is a jade bracelet on the wrist

Island like a boat sailing since the day you were born
never slowing down its disconsolate speed
always arriving yet, underfoot, drawn away by the ebbing tide

Purple wounds the turbulent, close-up scene
sets off white the horizon like land cutting, above snow line, into fate
exposing the snow flower you've caught for life

Still wet tears run halfway down the girl's cheeks
After so many years play the cold rain you've brought back
A seagull plunges then flies back up You hear clearly this kiss