the car is backing up, please pay attention
By Xiao Xi 小西
Translated By Yilin Wang
be mindful of the rocks behind you, the tiny blades of grass
the roar of thunder, and the flash of lightning.
watch out for the sprinting kids and cats
for the elderly and the hushed trees.
take note of the rotting fruits
and of the snow that has just fallen.
look out for the ants under your car tires
the light reflected on broken glass.
be vigilant about rolling leather balls
of nails with malicious intentions.
observe the sorrowful face in the mist
the traps that have lost their lids.
pay attention to the hands begging for money.
beware of firecrackers on the ground that haven’t yet gone off.
take heed of the sudden uncontrolled sobs from the roadside.
Translated from the Chinese
Notes:
Source: Poetry (February 2022)