A WINTER WILLOW

   -- In memory of poet Yu Kuang-chung

now that all ponds and lakes and rivers have frozen

and the bright-eyed birds, rabbits, squirrels, and children

have flown south, are in hibernation, or staying indoor

without these mirrors

the willow that has experienced years of wind and frost

sees no way

and no point  

to dress up

but he knows his beautiful reflections

are stored safely at the bottom of the frozen water

and the heart lakes of young poets

ready to sprout

a riot of color

into dazzling poems

of spring

 发表于《新大陆诗双月刊》165期，2018.4