Travelers

Harmonizing with Sister Yin

In the world, debates and discussion abound, disregard.
Ten years, clean spot, arrive at this time.
All people everywhere fight for fame and wealth.*
Anxious thoughts multiply daily, sins also deepen.
Fortunately, we have the Lord's words as constant guidance,   
And, we treasure good friends who help cleanse our attitudes.
One bright morning, if we go to the heavenly place,
We'll look back at the time when we heard the gospel.

*There's a story about an emperor who asked a monk how many boats pass on the river by everyday. The monk replied, "Two: one seeking fame, another seeking wealth."

Chapter 9: Eastern Sea

I was invited to teach at Donghai University from 1957-64. For seven years that I taught there, I took the train. Every other week, I went to Taizhong in the morning, arriving in the afternoon. I would teach two hours that afternoon and the next day teach two hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon and then take the train back to Taibei. I taught international trade. Usually, sitting on the train, I could look out both sides while passing many small towns.

From Taibei to Taizhong Ten Poems

Suling Station

Long train passing the station, alarm bells blast*
Bamboo trees beckon people and bow to the evening breeze
Hilltop setting sun losing strength
Thin smoke veils the late pink clouds

*Suling was a very small station therefore the express train didn't stop there. By the time the signal ends, we've passed through the town.

Thinking back

Bosom Feelings

Residency in this foreign country is truly pitiful.
By their customs, we follow the way of the youth.
Can't talk about bosom's dark sadness, no place to vent.
Alleviate sorrow, drink and send your feelings to the spirits.


2nd poem of Thinking about your old country back home

Painfully remember rooted garden, cold and lonely autumn
Eastern fence chrysanthemum looks delicate and shy
At the edge of the village, an old maple tree, red as if dyed
Lake surface wilted water lilies, still some green
Hut Peak flying clouds, where are you going?
Yang River passing waters, when will you stop?
What you sent me: a new poem to read 
And hearing the sounds of home comforted my longing.


- Rooted garden is a literal translation of the place where you have ancestors, have lived a long time.
- Lu2 ("hut") Mountain & Yangzi River both were viewable my grandfather's hometown of Xinkaizhen 新开镇. 
- sounds of home is a literal translation for your hometown dialect.