I light up a candle.

Shadows flickering in the lonely night,

Outside, street lamps are lit,

Someone hurrying on his way.

I light up a candle,

With my hand, I shield it from the breeze.

Outside, the rain falls lightly,

Will he return, I wonder. 

I light up a candle,

Illuminating my private realm,

Beyond lies a hazy mist

An empty, silent space. 

I light up each candle,

Shining light on timeless sorrows,

Revealing in my heart deep hidden corners,

Until the time when my hair turns gray.

I light up numerous candles.

Flowers scattered along the path.

Golden light falling as the sun sets.

The evening heralds the end of the day.

Translated by Vuong Thanh, 2023