Sadness

by Nguyen Binh Phuong

Translated by Mai Hoang

Sadness shines on us light the color of chicken fat
a loose handshake and bisexual smile
sadness does not wear a suit or waits for anyone
the eye is amber
beautiful and fierce

Sadness speaks with a platinum accent
in the nights that the city loses power
the street where sails are sold has no sea to head out to

Sadness speeds on motorbike, a white windbreaker across the sky
wearing another pair of glasses, looking at another life
sadness constantly thinks but never loses its way
a name that clangs at noon in summer

Sadness has very fine ears
very gentle steps
slim fingers, silky eyes

Hiding in the shadow of the book that nonchalantly shades the chest
sadness turns off the power switch
and leaves…