Leaving For a Distant Place

Author: Runping Chen

In his mother’s eyes,
The child is dragging her coat brim;
On father’s broad shoulders,
I am still weak and young.
Today, the swallows are trying a fly
While I am also about to leave home.

At the entrance to the village, the bus is moving ahead.
Mother’s tears shedding like threads fastened the child’ heels.
Exhorting me a hundred thousand times  
How could she exert a full heart of worries on and on,
However far and near, just as beyond the horizon.

The wrinkles on father’s forehead
Were crowded with drastic heartbeats
And he saw the child stepping forward
The weak and puny footprints.
Perhaps walking on and on alone,
The child might understand the hardships that life trecked on.

Birds will fly high and deer will run fast.
This long journey is on my life course the first.
To rouse the young wings
So as to be firm and proud
And to say farewell to many years of shield
While I’m trying to fly, to a distant sky.

Mother, wipe off thy tears, please.
And tell father to wait for the swallows’ return;
Don’t walk back and forth at the entrance of the village
Where the cypress tree is in the direction of my homing passage.
I will stretch my wings that have gradually become browny
And perch on your life eventually.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Chan Avatar
October 28, 2017 at 3:15 AM
I like this a lot. As a father myself, I can relate. Thanks for sharing.
Chen Avatar
October 29, 2017 at 6:06 AM
THANK YOU, BERNARD. GLAD YOU LIKE IT.
Cresswell Avatar
October 27, 2017 at 4:07 PM
The wait was definitely worth it my dear poet. It explores the first tenuous leaving of the shelter of home. The use of the birds aptly described the feelings all around; the parents eager for the child torn between letting go and keeping safe in their arms, the child afraid yet curious about a greater world. Splendid!
Chen Avatar
October 28, 2017 at 2:28 AM
Thank you, Patricia. You know what I mean and you have the subtle senses of parental love. Have a good day.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace