It is foolish

多么愚蠢

to let a young redwood

竟让一株稚龄的红木

grow next to a house.

种植在屋旁

Even in this

一生就

one lifetime,

仅此一点点时光

you will have to choose.

你总得有所选择吧！

That great calm being,

那个沉稳的大块头

this clutter of soup pots and books—

这些杂乱的汤砵和书本

Already the first branch-tips brush at the window.

初发的枝枒己在窗玻璃上开始蠕动

Softly, calmly, immensity taps at your life.

文文静静地不著边际轻击生命