HOÀNG-ÂN:  NẾU DA EM XÂM TRÊN NGỰC MỘT CÀNH HOA ANH-ĐÀO

As it is in the east as from the west
pink in hues they like ghosts float by
through clandestine lanterns of crystal
flickering shimmering streamlike sparkling
the floating stage o­ne audition o­ne pose
thin and frail tattoo in bird-designs

As is in the west and from the east
smoke-like creatures affluence like swift springs
liquidy glimmeringly pure ivory skin
in tattoo the canvases did bleed

How fragile and agile the fox-shaped faces
the ink of black and pink and white in designs
breast half disclosed o­n left shoulder tattooed
slim branch of ten cherry blossoms bloomed

If I ought touched and felt my sight
among the arrow-pierced hearts and Marilyn Monroe
The foxes won over the stark light pink blossoms
Thin and frail the slender lines wavering.