A room of her own & a painting

A Sentiment

2.

Still lonely, empty maiden-room, nothing happening.
During the night, a snow storm, the season traps people inside.
Old friends, dribs and drabs, trace back the memories. 
Accompanying me to sleep on this cold night, a single pillow.


In praise of Master Painter Zang Dachien

The country is broken, yet one painting master remains.
In a far corner of the earth, at a casual meeting, acquaintance with his sophisticated manner.
Upon arrival at the capitol, the commanding movement of his paint brush,
Imaging the Great Wall, our nation's eyebrows will lift.*

Zang Dachien was a famous contemporary painter/artist. I stayed at a friend's house, Mr. Yang, who had made a lot of money, and was very hospitable. One day, Mr. Yang asked Mr. Zang to dinner and invited me to join them to meet him. I knew all about his work and observed his manner. The UN building was just finishing construction and Mr. Zang was asked to paint a mural for it. He had picked the Great Wall as a theme and was very excited talking about this commission. 

*expresses pride vs. down-turned eyebrows which express shame