GOOD NIGHT, YOUNG MAN By Ding Peng

GOOD NIGHT, YOUNG MAN

By Ding Peng    

The glittering city whispers to you through the cell phone.

You can't sleep, you're an electrical conductor.

As your fingertips swipe across the screen

for second-hand truths, a current makes tiny waves.

Your eyelashes open and close, they look like the bristles on a spring millet.

Yes, if you die in a game, you will be resurrected.

Good night, young man. The voltage is stable tonight.

Go back to bed, but recharge your phone.

The camera fixes its gaze on you as you close your eyelids.

When your heart beats on the earth, you’ll fly

through a nebula to reach the edge of the universe.

You will come to stand in front of her just like before,

and kiss her, and share your sorrows.

Good night, young man, see you on the screen tomorrow, when

Truman Burbank will be fleeing his beloved hometown,

and you will break through the gate of hell.

About the poet:

Ding Peng was born in Meihekou, Jilin Province in February 1991. He holds a master's degree from the Chinese Department of Peking University and is a member of the China Writers Association. He works as an editor at Poetry Periodical.