A Song for Changyu, My Niece
The garden you’ll play in is ready
A bamboo awning stretched across
We made you a little wooden stool
We’ll sing your name in the rain
The vines have sprouted
There are ten strawberries
All facing the gentle sun
(How long you’ve had to wait)
Fish are sleeping in their tank
The sun lives in the glasshouse
Your clothes have long been made
Your blanket has been woven
Open your eyes on a warm rainy day
To see the phoenix flower
To see sunflowers smile
Baby, you’ll sing in the rain
We’ll call your little pig Stephen
Call you Changyu
Call you Baby
Now we’re in separated worlds
But here is a paper door
Where we wait for you
Baby, you’ll sing in the rain
Your time has come
To be our baby
Open your eyes
Do not be afraid
Happiness or suffering
Baby you can't choose
We must learn how to love
Roofs are baked white by the sun
This world agrees to have you
As long as you think you want it
Hold the giant world like a toy
Baby, you’ll sing in the rain.
(1995/6) Tr. 2014
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