Page 74 - Dragon&Fairy in Poetry

Dragon & Fairy In Poetry

MY CHOICE
Original “Chọn Lựa” by LÊ MAI

I know – it is not a vague after-sensation,
That I am only a blade of grass in formation,
A weed stem that wants to be shining
Rising up in order not to be pining.

I am aware I am not under an illusion
That those things I may own in profusion,
But still as usual so many wishes I look for
Yoked by thousand causes cannot soar.

With the fulfilments – they were not full;
The first-come was still late, down to pull;
Thought to have gained but immediately lost;
Grass, me – not far from the whirl to my cost.

I have times been winking together with dew
Which dissolved as morning glowed through.
I realize I might spread to emit perfume,
A waft of fragrance in a modest room

Under a certain humble circumstance
Or in multiple ways to choose by chance,
But in all my life I am not a discursive grass
Wavering around in an incomplete class.

Translation by THANH-THANH

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