A friend of dreams
And sister of fantasy

She is your very shadow
But always walks ahead

Shapeless as pure light
Restless as the wind

There is always some distance
Between the two of you

Like a bird flying outside the window
Or a cloud sailing in air

Like the butterfly beside the river
Cagey yet exquisite

Go after her–she’ll fly away
Ignore her–she’ll chase you

She’ll always keep you company
Until your breathing stops

translated by Fang Dai, Dennis Ding, & Edward Morin