Like this, I love

it is spring
a hazy mist covers the five lakes
my dear, let me buy you a red-painted boat
and carry you away
east of the aromas
and north of the snows

Wu Zao

I wish I could have sat in a water garden back then
and think where on earth

summer sun, grape wine
and the royal red room in the Qing

the orchid courtyard
the songs that echo in the river bamboo

the noble nobles
the ashes of the dream
of the beautiful room in the Qing

discover a paradise and see
coral decorations ring on your slender body
when I will pour tea
and we’ll think about each other’s scribbles

and you will know
one smile from you
was enough to make me forget
my every word

and you will know
my hand remains on your body
in the dew when the Cape Robin chirps
when you are busy picking flowers
and in the evening
in the deserted valley
when our ethereal thoughts glow like lanterns

I sail rivers across the globe
with Zao and her perfumed lamp

and back to here in the beautiful red boat
your stars, like fireflies

in my hand