雨中作 / Yu zhong zuo

有许多奇迹我们看见。
月亮和迅逝的闪电,
照亮江中鱼和藻类。
岸上,鸟儿落下飞起,
搬运细木和泥土。
新鲜的空气,
生命和死亡。
围绕着我们。

© Xiao Kaiyu
From: Dongwuyuan de kuangxi (Wilde Freuden im Zoo)
Beijing: Gaige , 1997
Audio production: 2001 M. Mechner, literaturWERKstatt berlin

Done in the Rain

There are a whole lot of wonders that we’ve seen.
The moon seems like a flash of lightening,
Shining down on the fish and algae in the river.
On the bank, birds alight and take flight,
Toting slender branches and mud.
The fresh air,
Life and death,
Surround us.

Translation by Christopher Lupke