by Gao Bing (poem)

I want to be a crocodile
Not as expected
From tadpoles to toads
Hide the tail

I’m in the quagmire
forgotten
Dangerous situation
learned
Happiness in pain

I’m lying in the quagmire
Staring into the distance
heard it
Wind and rain
said laughingly
The sky there has changed

Creaking sound creaking sound
Toad sings happily
“Very bright”
Waiting for your salvation

In joy
I forgot
Water snake from behind
Otter hiding in the dark