语言平实如雌鸟的翅膀

Words as plain as hen-birds' wings 

不会撒谎，

Do not lie, 

没有太多的粉饰——

Do not over-broider things - 

甚至过于羞涩。

Are too shy. 

思想流转如便士，

Thoughts that shuffle round like pence 

穿过历代君王，

Through each reign, 

磨损到至简的样子

Wear down to their simplest sense 

却依然健在。

Yet remain. 

杂草本不该生长，

Weeds are not supposed to grow 

但还是会有一点，

But by degrees 

有的竟开出了一朵花，虽然

Some achieve a flower, although 

无人看见。

No one sees.