Globalized Yak (By Luo Ying) Poem by Denis Mair

by Luo Ying
Translated by Denis Mair

Twenty-four yaks pack in our food and equipment
Nine breed yaks have energy they cannot release
Because of the U.S. sup-prime mortgage problem
Because of China's macroeconomic planning
The world's climbers feel the pinch in their wallets
The world's white collarites are in a crisis of livelihood
Today the mountain is beautiful
Today the yaks have put on weight
However today's climbers are fewer
Yak patties on the slopes are fewer too
The breed yaks are not in a good mood
They run wild on the slopes and down below
Upend their loads and burst their carry bags
Across the wild slopes strewing global manure
Italian climbing shoes float down creeks
American energy bars are treats for crows
Japanese anti-perspirant briefs are nightwear for rabbits
They make love while bedded down in underwear
"JUIBO" snow goggles get cracked on rocks
Reflective fragments like gleams from globalized eyes
Mountain dogs have gagged on "LIUBIJU" stinky bean-curd
My "BLACK DIAMOND" staff was dragged off in a snow-cock's beak
To barter with a certain Swiss girl for "CARMEX" lip balm
Which soothes blisters caused by too much kissing on the sly
The breed yaks have upended my globalization
I couldn't deal with globalization in the first place
Of course I can't do anything about breed yaks either
Terribly crude with great bodily strength, so I think
Monogamy fits with global imperatives after all

2008-09-10
Cho Oyo 5800M, Camp ABC