What ascends is sky, escape
What descends is dashing waves,
decadence and decay.
A line divides the world:
You're left in the centre,
Floating unsupported.
Awakening from an afternoon nap
A wild goose chases the horizon.
You're a speck of dust
Between heaven and earth
Seeking a place to stay for the night.
Pai ch’iu
(c) Pai Ch'iu and Point Editions. Published in
CHINA CHINA (Point Editions, no. E-1, 1986).
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