The Shadow of a Departing Sail
Gong Liu

Do not inquire
Why the spreading river
Overflows the horizon
And melts into the mist.

Ah, it is blurred, blurred,
Your passionate song—

Do not investigate
Why the palpitating powered wing
Laps up the sea foam
And turns into a mirage.

Ah, they labour in vain, in vain,
Your beautiful eyes—

Do not ponder
Why the lost good dreams
Get taken to the ends of the earth
Yet pester each other in the ear.

Ah, I am grateful, grateful.
Your breath is my wind—

Do not comment
Why the memorable weighing of the anchor
Gets so alarming
Yet is as calm as this.