The late sun
sinking through the trees
brightens up
my traveling clothes
I've come a long way
through variegated landscapes
to this far corner
of our known world
nearly everyone I meet
will be new to me
and I can't think of going home
maybe ever again
this Great River
flows away to the east
like me
it's always moving
Chengdu has city walls
fine houses behind them
the trees are green
even in late winter
I've heard a lot about
this city
listen, there's a sound
of people making music
that doesn't cure
my loneliness!
I turn to look
at the bridge across the river
crows and even sparrows
returning to their nests
how far away
the Central Plains seem now
the crescent moon
does not rise high
the stars have most of the rest of the sky
to compete among themselves
exile and travel
are familiar stories
why should I let them
make me sad?