《作别向日葵/Farewell to Sunflowers》- story behind

sunflowerwell, people want to know my story…so here again after explaining to friends in China: in 2007 when I hesitated to give up my dream:writing poetry, i thought of sunflowers by Vincent van Gogh and wrote this poem, then I understood how sad I was.and decided not quit…here is the poem that was published in my book “Wings Toward Sunlight” ( Mosaic Press 2011)

Farewell to Sunflowers

A million arrows are aimed at the sky,
yet the sun still not shot down.
Glancing back,
their golden faces are soaked with tears.
Mourning grasses
grow wild upon my eyes,
burn flames in the wind.

Those duckweeds and swimming fish,
those floating clouds and breezes
are far behind.

In turning, I lose my way
and feel the lotus core in pieces.
With arrows sifting through my hand,
I see sunset in crimson.