The staccato of fireworks
from the neighbor's field
we sit in coolness
emerging stars punctuate
the words we haven't said
June 2003 Poem of the Month, Christian Science Monitor Online
Carol Purington
Chinese Translation (Traditional)
來自鄰居田地
的斷續煙花聲響
坐在陰涼中
逐漸浮現的星星標示
我們尚未說過的話
Chinese Translation (Simplified)
来自邻居田地
的断续烟花声响
坐在阴凉中
逐渐浮现的星星标示
我们尚未说过的话
Bio Sketch
Carol
Purington is at home in the hills of western Massachusetts. She writes
about seasonal and emotional rhythms, exploring connections between the
worlds inside us and the worlds our bodies interpret. Her works have
appeared in English-language haiku/tanka publications, both print and
online, and they have won recognition in international contests. She has
published three books of tanka: The Trees Bleed Sweetness, A Pattern for This Place, and Gathering Peace.
This beautifully-crafted tanka is framed by sound (L1) and silence (L5), and Carol's use of synaesthesia emotionally effectively explores the contrasts between them.
ReplyDeleteThe 'coolness' of the evening and stars (potentially dead) coming out suggest that this is describing a relationship that is over. Even the 'staccato' sound of the fireworks suggests gunfire to me. Or it could be about a loved one who has passed away. Everyone is missing this person, but nobody wants to mention it. I really like this as it is so open.
ReplyDeletemarion
Marion:
DeleteYour insightful comment has opened up a new interpretative space for me.
Thanks for sharing.
Chen-ou