Preface. Cunning Stars
Cunning stars accentuate a judicious mind,
Casting glow on lands pretentious yet behind.
Inexorable darkness abnegates egotism,
Dimming tired eyes with quiet optimism.
Zealous skies edify detached eyes,
Where rampant souls weave their lies.
Sanguine clouds gaze upon indebted spunk,
Which frowns upon the elusive chunk.
Flying in celerity exhibits callow insouciance,
Avian stamina deters daunting indifference.
What outshines a dismissive penalty?
It’s tenacious wings with their unruly proclivity!
Beneath the clouds hides a sagacious spirit,
Which quirky mavericks inherit.
Carrying ingenuous affection and heart,
They reassure a poetic yet restless guard.
Unfasten the latch, setting feelings free,
Teeming with the endowment right before me.
Intrepid steps never hold their sway,
Inasmuch as your footprints never delay!
Embark upon a fervent adventure,
Standing by whatever sterling future.
Casting off obstinate puzzlement,
Childlike hearts always reflect the blue firmament!
Ivan Zhanhu Feng
July 25, 2020
VIII. Night Sky
The boundless night wanders in the firmament,
Supporting an immortal, starry sky.
Countless lights rise and whirl,
Sprinkling into the surging, uninhibited sea of souls.
Remember? Under the stars,
There is fearless hope calling;
There is blurred light sleeping.
How much poignancy has been drowned in the blue night?
When looking up, meteors cross the bright moon.
Undulating clouds reappear with rhythmic shadows.
What is it that fades in the starlight,
Yet still flows into tomorrow with equanimity?
But why? The bygone shadows can be found nowhere.
On the horizon looms yearning; In the wind, parting diffuses.
Faint halos overlap,
Bidding the long wait farewell with perseverance.
See? Eternity is at the end of the sky,
Fluttering the shadows, trembling the future.
Countless memories condense here,
Continuing to probe concealed sanity…
Since when has the boundless night been silent?
Waiting quietly with the breeze and tree shadows.
Longing stars pass through the dreams,
Sprinkling into the peaceful, unbound sea of souls.
Dec 27, 2021
VII. Sashaying Trilogy
i) Superseding
Should there exist another way,
My presence would still remain;
Because at the end of the sky,
Lies intrepid creation, and unruliness without limit.
There is no alternative,
Only tall and rolling hills;
The sun is strong over the peaks,
Like heat radiating from a hot oven.
Roads and dreams that cannot be smoothed,
Stand by the sky and murk;
No stars exist overhead,
But the light of dawn remains hidden.
ii) Separating
Come on, you crazy people.
Pick up pens in your hands.
Write down indignation and fortitude.
A journey unfolds, unlimited dreams separate in the air.
Gather them! Looking at one hoop,
A hundred thousand enthusiasms shoot into your heart.
Countless waves are churning.
Countless departures are blurring.
Countless intrepid hearts are calling.
Countless pens quiver uninhibited.
What time? Still can’t resist looking back.
But why? When opening my eyes again,
I’m unable to see you, nor my shadow, nor the firmament.
How many years? How many dreams are trembling.
How many clouds are laughing innocently.
How many clear skies are no longer clear.
But you know what? I will still be the last figure;
Pride never leaves and will always stand by.
No matter what, never separate.
Life is short, but stubborn.
Journeys are long, but broad.
Go on, till the last dusk.
iii) Dawning
Running in downfall and despair,
Racing with the stars and gloom.
Setting out from twilight,
At last, he sees the dawn.
Still remember? How many times,
Wandering amid infinity and eternity,
Sauntering between nightfall and daybreak.
Once aware? He never quits.
The eagle flies towards the sunrise,
Engaging the firmament,
Accompanying the thin clouds.
June 30, 2021
VI. 2020 Short Poetry Selection
(I) Broad-Minded Pride
With an open mind like a sturdy pine,
I stand high, overlooking the world’s shine.
Through turbulent waves, I remain calm and strong,
My heart, like a jade pool, reflects the azure throng.
(II) Unrestrained Rebel
Unyielding and fierce, breaking free from all binds,
Steadfastly standing alone, the unruly spirit finds.
Never following the mainstream’s tide,
I forge my own path, unswayed and dignified.
(III) Contented Melodist (Duet)
(i)
Playing with puppies, teasing cats at play,
Sorting out thoughts, hanging on tree’s sway.
Driven by joy, chasing winds across hills and streams,
Letting the playful heart soar to celestial extremes.
(ii)
Playing the guitar, blowing the flute’s tune,
Singing to the sunset, descending the dune.
Carried by the wind, the melodist sneaks into the night,
Accompanied by stars, finding contentment till daylight.
(IV) Indomitable Flame
The flame of righteousness never knows chill,
Embracing universal love, never standing still.
Democratic savior, bringing joy to all men,
With strong noble bones, piercing the blue sky’s den.
(V) Embracing Hearts
Like the vast sea embraces countless rivers,
Friendly and kind, embracing diverse talents and givers.
Democratic hearts, joyous and bright,
Noble souls soaring with unyielding might.
(VI) Uncontainable Childlike Heart (Duet)
(i)
Filled with joy, playing hide-and-seek on hillsides,
Innocent laughter echoing through the skies.
Passing by the pavilion, whispering softly,
Not disturbing the dream of the clumsy little cat.
(ii)
Singing like a child, facing both heat and cold,
Reforming youthful folly before growing old.
Amidst worldly concerns, vast and wide,
A simple heart remains pure until old beside.
(VII) Dream Chaser (Trilogy)
(i)
Proudly standing at the forefront, defying the waves,
Scattering youthful joy, singing as the heart craves.
Traveling across seas, indulging in leisure and pleasure,
Refining true self, never allowing time to measure.
(ii)
A dreamer faces spring again, enthralled,
The journey clearing, dreams gradually unfold.
Countless wishes by your side, delighted to share,
Yearning deepens, with head held high in the air.
(iii)
Radiant pearls gleam, reflecting dedication and zeal,
Great names standing tall, supporting the stubborn gold seal.
Bright sun illuminates the field, intoxicated by the mirage,
Challenging proud cranes, a dream pursued regardless of age.
Self-Mockery (I) — Contradictory Soul (Duet)
Sometimes confident, boasting with pride,
But soon ephemeral, like drifting tide.
Sharp and arrogant, overlooking everything,
Yet lowly at heart, as deep as the sea’s spring.
Self-Mockery (II) — Stubborn Determination
Headstrong, charging forward without care,
Unique thoughts making everything seem fair.
Others may laugh at the dreams I devise,
But I stand firm, like a never-falling prize.
Self-Mockery (III) — Poet of Two Worlds (Duet)
(i)
Clumsy poems and awkward verses fill my desk,
Both old and new, I adore them, grotesque.
In my prime, I proudly try to spread my wings,
Claiming to be a poet of dual poetic springs.
(ii)
Carelessly regarded by toothless readers, they mock and jeer,
Every day I wield my pen, writing the passing years.
Firmly holding to my dreams, like a hermit with a staff,
My lofty ambitions set in distant lands, beyond the autograph.
V*. Serenade of the Dawn
In the morning light, there’s little melancholy,
Though tardy thoughts flicker, like candles lowly.
Swinging shadows welcome the break of day,
Past sorrows dance, then flutter away.
The rosy dawn arrives, by the poet’s side,
And lingering thoughts, like lamps, still abide.
Like a song, memories of youth take flight,
Soft emotions flow, like a dream at night.
Love and tears blend, soothing dreams with care,
Gently flowing through familiar air.
Everything appears in a different hue,
More passionate, more sentimental too.
Fragrant blooms seek out memories of old,
Reviving tales from childhood’s hold.
The past dissipates with the morning breeze,
As the sunrise resounds with a song of ease.
In the cool air, there’s no grand desire,
Just dreams and light, crafting a springtime fire.
A new day begins, with the same joy in store,
Eternal sunshine in our hearts forevermore.
9/18/2020
IV. Your Way
On the sofa, no one’s here;
In the yard, no one’s near.
Where I’ve found you, year by year,
Now I’m calling, yet none can hear.
Once I felt fear every night,
I would hold your hands so tight.
You’d take me to the grandest sight,
Overflowing with perpetual light.
But when I was left behind,
Long-lost memories crossed my mind:
Your heart’s candle let me find,
A restless guard, saved in a bind.
Missing every such happy day,
I thought it would never go away.
Yet, until I wake once again,
Where could I seek your way?
Aug 10, 2020
II. Gloaming
I can travel through darkness,
Yet I am most afraid,
Trapped in the night.
A wall blocks all directions;
Each time, it seems I’ll never be back.
No choice, no direction.
Imprisoned, fettered,
Makes the spirit wild;
Gives arrogant bones fortitude.
An unforgettable night like this,
Everything is bleak;
There is no shine.
Afraid of such a night,
Once fettered,
It’s hard to break free.
Yet every time,
There are still sunbeams in the heart,
Because I love the light.
The night will end,
Even at the last,
Heart’s candles will light the prospect.
The night will end,
In boundless desolation,
Yearning for the dawn.
May 24, 2020
I. A Kite in Light
Click here to listen (read by Selena)
Before I woke up last night,
I’d been running after my kite.
I should’ve held your hands tight,
Lest I be lost in hazy light.
I wish I could return to the light,
So that I’d find my private guide.
How dare I indulge in illusory pride?
Just never let me leave your side.
I want to look inside my mind,
Passing all disarray from my eyes.
Stand by me with the sun-rise,
So I’d never be lost in paradise.
Even grip my soul in the guise,
Till I cast off all my dread.
I’d hail the angel around your head;
If only I were still in your stead.
Now that I’ve got to press ahead,
I shall keep chasing to the last.
Yet be I ever so fast,
I can never overtake the past……
There’s a sunbeam up in sight,
Just like in my dream last night.
‘Tis an angel with a virtuous mind,
Greeting the boy after a kite.
Feb 15, 2018