BAI GENGSHENG

 

 

The Backbone

 

The wind has no backbone

It roams entirely at its own will

Grass needs no backbone

It merely sways as the wind blows

Water requires no backbone

It just flows gently toward the lowlands

Insects have no need for backbone

They have not evolved to that stage yet

 

Yet

Mountains possess their backbone

To hold aloft the boundless firmament

Houses stand with their backbone

Or they could never shelter all the needy with warmth and delight

Bridges are built with their backbone

To bear the endless throng of carts and steeds passing over

 

A person must have backbone

For it lets you stand tall and unshakable in life and living

An army must have backbone

For it lets you hold your broad chest high to stand guard and fight

A nation can never go without backbone

With it you keep your head held high in unyielding perseverance

A country can never go without backbone

With it you are filled with boundless vigor spirit and vitality

A society cannot lack its backbone

Among all mortal beings only the awakened and virtuous embody it

An era cannot lack its backbone

Without it we might as well sink back into ignorance and barbarism

 

Backbones always lie in quiet solitude

Never vying for the spotlight or fame

Backbones are always left uncelebrated

For they scorn all glib and flattering words

Backbones are often cast aside and forgotten

Yet only when we sit upright or stand tall

Do we fathom their true worth and essence

Backbones have endured endless wrongs for eons

Yet they remain steadfast without regret or grievance

 

Translated By Lan Xin (Lanxin Samei)

 

BAI GENGSHENG

 

BAI GENGSHENG: Vice Chairman of the China Writers Association, Member of the Standing Committee of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Honorary Dean of the China Yulong Wenbi Dongba Culture Academy About the Translator: Internationally renowned writer and poet, the only female inheritor of the World Memory Heritage Dongba Culture, Dean of the China Yulong Wenbi Dongba Culture Academy, Winner of International Literary Awards