Over distance

by Liang Ping
     trs. by Chen Xiaoyuan

The deep south
and the southwest make a dead corner
I am not fond of the north.  Its rain and snow, fog and haze
alleys and courtyard houses, Chinese candied fruits
have nothing to do with me.  Never linger in my mind
Pearl River Delta in contrast, angles of which are dead corners
where man is reserved as braving death
In solitude, a dormant sea turtle stays in a crevice on the reef
A recluse
Over distance, I could see the dead corner
responds to the vicissitudes of my life
where the river brims, and flora prospers.

January 13, 2018