there is no way
to soothe a troubled heart
not wine not whiskey
nor the temporary lull
of music
only perhaps the touch
of a valued friend
can ease the aching
on a night like this
troubled heart
from Songs from the Heart by Juan Chi: No. 1
Late at night unable to sleep
I sit up and played my zither
moonlight shone through the curtains
a cool breeze ruffled my robe
in the distant wilds a lone goose cried
above the north woods a circling bird called
this way then that searching for something
while anxious thoughts troubled my heart
translated by Red Pine