On contemplating what doesn’t kill you makes you strong
Inspired after reading the Chinese poet Du Fu
In these mountains by the path, translucent water drops on brown moss, cover ancient brown rock and clouds do not break: Why it Is I must climb, live life away, above the poor valley, trapped in the wrong body, a female song long in my soul, born in youthful spirit, on I go it tells me to climb the path away – dark and noisey – live like the raven black – screaming eyes piercing yellow – light opens up north west: why I must continue! A struggle toward the summit.
In these mountains on the path, a man child long ago born, filled up with star dust, each moment the despair rises, hurrying hungry in desolate ways: like obtainable wealth, honour, wife, family shield, dedicated years of toil to keep people ignorant of the truth, hide girly pouts and secret loves, aware danger close, day and night alone and the only one to hear my real beating heart: swirling blue creek breaks silence inside, mystery north of dividing river, the divine creature at times shows himself, at others hides in mist above this poor valley.
In these mountains where the dragon booltar rests, coiled under massive swirling brown waters, waiting in a lair bearing the weight of the millions to condemn, all unfaithful sinners mock me below in the poor valley, with careful pace and delicate step I cross cliff’s margin, holding tight a guide rope, body leaning, descending into mist and haze, the path narrow, coming forward I look out on a breath and gasp, my sigh billows, drawing back I stand on the lark grey rock, the rocks crumble under my feat yet survive.
In these mountains perilous the single path has run out, too old but brave, I reveal myself before the wind, unfurl to bathe in the river, expose in chill wind wrinkled male flesh, what is it! that which blows away fear, fortunately your voice from the north west, finally, I think I have me, reflections inverted in quivering feminine form, the black tells of the vortex bottom; a clear part reveals splinters of flashing light, a lone cloud comes deep within, the bird flying are not outside.