Rocking, Rocking to the Setting Sun

Translated by Peter Tong

Under the eaves,

drenched in crimson,

on the balcony,

an easy chair rocking in the cool breeze,

amidst the earthen scent,

the fragrance of the flower,

rocking, rocking to the setting sun.

On the right, a white ribbon wraps around the foothill,

on the left,

beyond the crimson sea,

lies our home of long ago.

Dreaming and wondering.

Sandy beaches below,

waves rush over the rocks,

foaming like piles of white snow.

Resting next to the rocks, memory of yesteryears.

Wave, waves,

bring them forth!

Rocking,

rocking to the tune of “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes”,

rocking to the tune of “ One Night with You”.

Rocking to the chase on the spiral staircase,

marbles rolling down the hallway.

Rocking to the winding path in the dark on Lan-Tou Isle,

bells from Pou-Ling Monastery,

and ghost stories on the porch.

Rocking to the lingering glances,

and darting tummy butterflies.

Rocking to the “Maid of Haze” on TV,

and fainting in the cert exam room.

Rocking to the sheets of laughter,

naive arguments,

and sincere embraces.

Rocking to those youthful dreams,

boundless idealism.

Rocking to the farewell at the airports,

and well wishes at the docks.

Rocking,

tearing eyes,

laughter.

Gone is the knight on the white steed galloping toward the golden sun,

pacing in its stead a stallion over the evening glow.

Slow cadence,

methodical rhythm.

Rocking, rocking to the setting sun.

Do not mourn the setting sun;

do no weep for the falling clouds.

Rocking to the golden sky,

rich and luxuriant air.

Neon lights usher out the fading glow,

silently bring forth the blissful psalms of life.

Skies darken,

Lights shine under the eaves!

Chair sways in the breeze,

On the balcony, gazing at the fading sun.