Poem
Wang Xiaoni
5. What Voice Is That?
Suddenlywe hear a voice.
Far away, up above.
It is a space stiff, arrogant hands
will never be able to touch.
A radiance
snow and white nights can never get near to.
In the gloomy soul
it has been planted, dazzling.
It is a shining metal thread
someone plucks from the heart.
Only a god
could open its lips on this
dismal night.
Only a god
could make people stuck fast in sickness
feel moved.
Light:
those who have lost their legs
will all pursue it, gliding away
while those who cannot see the lamplight
reach out their hands
joining with it to become a sparkling ray.
What voice is it
what is the name of this god of song
who gently stirs the pain.
© Translation: 2004, Simon Patton
WHAT VOICE IS THAT
© 1992, Wang Xiaoni
From: My Paper Wraps My Fire
Publisher: Chunfeng wenyi chubanshe, Shenyang
From: My Paper Wraps My Fire
Publisher: Chunfeng wenyi chubanshe, Shenyang
Poems
Poems of Wang Xiaoni
Close
5. What Voice Is That?
Suddenlywe hear a voice.
Far away, up above.
It is a space stiff, arrogant hands
will never be able to touch.
A radiance
snow and white nights can never get near to.
In the gloomy soul
it has been planted, dazzling.
It is a shining metal thread
someone plucks from the heart.
Only a god
could open its lips on this
dismal night.
Only a god
could make people stuck fast in sickness
feel moved.
Light:
those who have lost their legs
will all pursue it, gliding away
while those who cannot see the lamplight
reach out their hands
joining with it to become a sparkling ray.
What voice is it
what is the name of this god of song
who gently stirs the pain.
© 2004, Simon Patton
From: My Paper Wraps My Fire
From: My Paper Wraps My Fire
5. What Voice Is That?
Suddenlywe hear a voice.
Far away, up above.
It is a space stiff, arrogant hands
will never be able to touch.
A radiance
snow and white nights can never get near to.
In the gloomy soul
it has been planted, dazzling.
It is a shining metal thread
someone plucks from the heart.
Only a god
could open its lips on this
dismal night.
Only a god
could make people stuck fast in sickness
feel moved.
Light:
those who have lost their legs
will all pursue it, gliding away
while those who cannot see the lamplight
reach out their hands
joining with it to become a sparkling ray.
What voice is it
what is the name of this god of song
who gently stirs the pain.
© 2004, Simon Patton
Sponsors
Partners
LantarenVenster – Verhalenhuis Belvédère