SUNG TO THE AIR: "THE MANTZŬ LIKE AN IDOL"

BY LI T'AI-PO

The trees in the level forest stand in rows and rows,

The mist weaves through them.

The jade-green of the cold hillside country hurts one's heart.

Night colour drifts into the high cupola.

In the cupola, a man grieves.

I stand—stand—on the jade steps, doing nothing.