watching a film about time traveling
a man
his father
the woman he loves
reliving moments in life
correcting mistakes
small ones
not major ones
no killing Hitler
or sleeping with Helen of Troy
as the father says
explaining the deal to his son
but those days that are memorable
become more so
a second
or even a third
time around
and my eyes water
watching this fictional son
and his father
bonding over and over again
through time
or his second
even third
chances at getting it right
with the girl he falls in love with
I’m a sucker for those moments
wishing life was like a movie
one could write
and rewrite
the script for
and then act it out
this time
and that time
each precious moment
what I wouldn’t give
to step back in time
to change a few little things
a hand on a shoulder

life is
two thirds heartache
one third happiness
not bad odds
considering
other interpretations
just have to sort out
the numbers
to see where one stands

Simple things
one wants to say
like, what’s the day
like, out there–
who am I
and where.

Nightfall. Clouds scatter and vanish.
The sky is pure and cold.
Silently the River of Heaven turns in the Jade Vault.
If tonight I do not enjoy life to the full,
Next month, next year, who knows where I will be?

translated by Kenneth Rexroth

On the pondside ankle-deep in the fallen leaves
trees cast their jagged shadows
while waters awaken a pale sheen.
I stand alone waiting
for the day to dawn.
Are there tender tears heavenly people shed,
like a rain-cloud, on their lonely dream pillows?
My sweet, why don’t you come, shy and soft,
over to me across the waters?
A cloud braces against the evening skies.
A half moon holds a wake in mid-heaven.

translated by Jaihiun Kim & Ronald B. Hatch