Introvert Poem by BEI Ling

Swim or not
You exhaust the shore of the four seasons
In the watery depths you chase only after waves
Diving, you stir up pallid flowers
In restless drifting
You penetrate a solitude without opponent
You are harboring the sea
Tempting boats,
Your breath for good or ill
Is intolerable for fish
Yet you've become their symbol

You are proud
And your risen mast
Carries the burden of poverty

Translated by G. Wiersma