Autumn by Bai Gengsheng (translated by Lan Xin)

Autumn clings high up in the firmament,
rainbows fade, rains subside;
Autumn hangs upon treetops,
sumac leaves, golden persimmons;
Autumn suspends from roof beams,
fresh meat, harvested grain;
Autumn is sealed inside earthen jars,
pickled greens, brewed wine;
Autumn is inscribed on human faces,
smiling brows, bright white teeth.

Autumn,
combed stroke by stroke by golden winds;
Autumn,
summed leaf by leaf upon the boughs;
Autumn,
tilled and tempered ridge by ridge by plowshares;
Autumn,
conducted stalk after stalk by straw!

Autumn is no ending,
autumn is but a new beginning;
Autumn is no retreat,
autumn is an eternal advance!
Autumn prepares for winter’s store,
autumn prepares for spring to rise once more.

Bai Gengsheng with translator Lan Xin