Of a birth uneven
From a small village
Calloused by calamity,
I watch my fellow citizens
Walk dogs more
Handsome than their masters.
I hear their wild calls
Of Ni Dieu Ni Maître
And smile to myself
Under a thatched roof
Inviting rain to enter
Wherever it can.
Often my friend Ling-hui
Will stop by to share a jug of wine
And news of the newest wisdom
We have gladly forgotten.