Ben++

November 10,2005

Between Hell and Heaven

Where I will go, I don't know now....gone with my heart

UU has failed, how could I comfort UU? I can't fall asleep now...

Love at First Sight
by Wislawa Szymborska


they're both convinced
that a sudden passion joined them.
such certainty is more beautiful,
but uncertainty is more beautiful still.


since they'd never met before, they're sure
that there'd been nothing between them.
but what's the word from the streets, staircases, hallways--
perhaps they've passed by each other a million times?

i want to ask them
if they don't remember--
a moment face to face
in some revolving door?
perhaps a "sorry" muttered in a crowd?
a curt "wrong number"caught in the receiver?--
but i know the answer.
no, they don't remember.

they'd be amazed to hear
that chance has been toying with them
now for years.

not quite ready yet
to become their destiny,
it pushed them close, drove them apart,
it barred their path,
stifling a laugh,
and then leaped aside.

there were signs and signals,
even if they couldn't read them yet.
perhaps three years ago
or just last tuesday
a certain leaf fluttered
from one shoulder to another?
something was dropped and then picked up.
who knows, maybe the ball that vanished
into childhood's thicket?

there were doorknobs and doorbells
where one touch had covered another
beforehand.
suitcases checked and standing side by side.
one night. perhaps, the same dream,
grown hazy by morning.

every beginning
is only a sequel, after all,
and the book of events
is always open halfway through.

一见钟情

他们彼此深信
是瞬间迸发的热情让他们相遇
这样的确定是美丽的
但变幻无常更为美丽
他们素未谋面
所以他们确定彼此并无任何瓜葛
但是自街道、楼梯、大堂
传来的话语......
他们也许擦肩而过100万次了吧
我想问他们是否记得
在旋转门面对面那一刹
或是在人群中喃喃道出的对不起
或是在电话的另一端道出的打错了
但是我早知道答案
是的
他们并不记得
他们会很讶异
原来缘分已经戏弄他们多年
时机尚未成熟
变成他们的命运
缘分
将他们推进
距离
阻挡他们的去路
忍住笑声
然后闪到一旁