盤子裏

On the plate,

只放一個土豆

one potato.

我舉著它穿堂過室。

I carry it from room to room.

盡量走得慢

I try to walk stately,

我要給一隻威爾士土豆做廣告。

honoring a fine Welsh potato,

這是世上的好東西

this goodness of earth

生長在土地內部的糧食。

nourished in its soil.

走在古老繁瑣的穹頂下面

Beneath the ancient, embellished vault

曾經做彌撒的地方。

where Masses once were held,

沒有人注意土豆的榮耀

the potato’s glory goes unseen.

它讓上億的人類沒被餓死。

It’s saved millions from starving.

在中國它叫洋芋

In China named “foreign taro”

還叫山藥蛋。

and “yam egg”.

陽光從高處照下來

Sunlight pours from the heavens.

粗麻的臉上均勻地布撒了鹽。

On this coarse, pocked face,

sprinkle salt.