PURSUIT

                                         Wen Jie

A face without makeup,

Prettier than a just-ripe apple.

A pair of liquid eyes,

A spring in a desert.

You dirve sheep to graze.

I ride after you up the hill.

You herd the sheep toward water.

I ride on to the very stream.

I’m a brave hunter

Safeguarding your flock.

You ask what wishes I conceal:

Only examine the look in my eye.

You want me not to hang around you.

That won’t do: we’ve met before.

For a while year since the Model Workers’ meeting,

You’ve disturbed my soul and mind.

You want me not to praise you before people.

That won’t do when my tongue can still move.

Why let your worthiness

Go to waste ni this praise?

If you urge your sheep to the ends of the earth,

I’ll sail clouds to chase you.

If you drive them into the farthest sea,

I’ll ride the waves to pursue you.

Though you look cold and indifferent,

I know you are longing to be with me

I’ll court you like this, without let-up,

Until you promise to marry me.