The ancient pyinma stump, gnarled and knotted,
sits like a vulture on the hill.
Termites have nested in the wasted trunk
and scabs form on the ulcerous bole.
A dented helmet sunk in a cranny
on the hill's side shows that war was here.
The ancient pyinma stump ravaged by war,
savaged by termites,
notched by blade,
scorched by the sun,
does not bow to the storm.
When summer comes again the old leaf
breaks at the stalk and new leaves form.
It wears its youthful beauty in the wind-
courageous, manly pyinma stump.
1949
Translated By Win Pe
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