On the plate,

盤子裏

one potato.

只放一個土豆

I carry it from room to room.

我舉著它穿堂過室。

I try to walk stately,

盡量走得慢

honoring a fine Welsh potato,

我要給一隻威爾士土豆做廣告。

this goodness of earth

這是世上的好東西

nourished in its soil.

生長在土地內部的糧食。

Beneath the ancient, embellished vault

走在古老繁瑣的穹頂下面

where Masses once were held,

曾經做彌撒的地方。

the potato’s glory goes unseen.

沒有人注意土豆的榮耀

It’s saved millions from starving.

它讓上億的人類沒被餓死。

In China named “foreign taro”

在中國它叫洋芋

and “yam egg”.

還叫山藥蛋。

Sunlight pours from the heavens.

陽光從高處照下來

On this coarse, pocked face,

粗麻的臉上均勻地布撒了鹽。

sprinkle salt.