The Poetry Corner

Stranger Things Have Happened

By Edward Powys Mathers (As Translator)

Do not believe that ink is always black, Or lime white, or lemon sour; You cannot ring one bell from two pagodas, You cannot have two governors for the city of Lang Son. I found you binding an orange spray Of flowers with white flowers; I never noticed the flower gathering Of other village ladies. Would you like me to go and see your father and mother? Song of Annam.