That Thing Poem by Luo Zhihai

★ That Thing
☆ Poetry by Phyllis Strong


Being unemployed, I try to find a job, just any job;
but my mind keeps going back to that thing.
The thing that's really on my heart to do.

When I lie down to go to sleep
I try to clear my mind and not think;
but my mind keep thinking about that thing,
the thing that I'm passionate about.

I said, 'I'm not going to write anymore; '
because I keep making errors, not getting it just perfect.
But the words keep coming to my mind,
and I have to transfer them onto paper.

When I think, 'I'll just live a mediocre life,
just exist from day-to-day.'
That thing deep down inside of me,
keep rising up saying;
God made you to be more than this.

I keep telling that thing;
I have a lot to do that keeps me busy;
The washing, ironing, cooking, cleaning,
helping with homework, volunteer work…
But I can't stop thinking about that thing.

The strong; thrive, always survive, conquerors and wins.
I wonder which one will win?
The existing flesh side of me,
or that thing?


▲ Chinese Translation

★ 那件事

☆ [美] 菲利斯•斯特朗 诗
☆ [中] 罗志海 译


失业了，我想找份工作，任何工作
但我脑海里一直追溯到那件事
那件事我真的用心去做过

当我躺下来睡觉时
我试图清空脑海，不去想它
但我脑海里不断想着那件事
那件我热爱的事

我说，"我再也不想写下去"
因为我一直在犯错，没有改正它
这句话一直出现在我脑海里
我也只好将这话用笔记下

我想，"我就过着平庸的生活
做一天和尚敲一天钟吧！"
那件事在我的内心深处
不断升腾起来说
上帝造你要超过这个

我一直告诉那件事
我有很多事要忙要做
洗涤，熨烫，做饭，打扫卫生
帮助家庭作业，志愿者工作……
但我不能停止思考那件事

坚强，健壮，永远活下去，占领者，胜利
我不知道哪个会赢？
我存活的肌肉
或是那件事？


北京时间2015年1月28日翻译
Beijing time on January 28,2015, Translation