By noon the heat became unbearable.
The birds stopped flying
And went to roost exhausted.
Sit here in the shade of the big tree.
Take off your hot woolen jacket.
The few small clouds floating overhead
Do nothing to cool the heat of the sun.
I’ll put some tea on to boil
And cook some vegetables.
It’s a good thing you don’t live far.
You can stroll home after sunset.
CH’U CH’UANG I