Phan Huyen Thền Thư

Lap Zuy

Now it is time for mother to be rid of mourning
by hanging it on the young moon
Lap Zuy
waddles like a bird

Walking around on his pink feet
the child hangs onto his stuffed bear
a mother’s dream

While her son sleeps
the young woman embarrasses herself
thirsting for things she wants
while she is still young

Tears flow from two full breasts
only for the child

Emptying both breasts
the boy flies

Tomorrow
calm again
mother will learn to go by the light of Lap Zuy
into the shadows of her mute words.

Translated by Dào Kim Hoa and Joseph Duemer