We Count the Days
We count off the days
On our Chinese calendar
The daily rhythms of our existence
Watching the shadows creep across the concrete
Punctuated by bowls of rice and noodles
By classes and examinations
By interruptions from curious strangers
And an army of underground pests
Our lives become an endless round
Of unexpected events
Without forewarning
Without expectation
In such a manner
We join the collective
Living simply
From one pay check to the next
From one round to the market
Punctuated by fireworks
And ice cream bars
By liter bottles of beer
Turned into candle sticks
By growing mounds of sunflower and peanut shells
And smoky evening fires
by Hugh M. Lewis
The Great Wall Revisited
Trails in the Snow
1991-1993
Blanket Copyright, Hugh M. Lewis, © 2005. Use of this text governed by fair use policy--permission to make copies of this text is granted for purposes of research and non-profit instruction only.
Last Updated: 03/16/05