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Island 84

滎陽遺蹟

飄零身世感滄桑
淒絕無辜困木樓
寄語諸君謀雪恨
樂中尤記個中仇

Traces Left by One from Yingyang

In my lonely drifting life, I experienced great changes.
It is very sad for the innocent to be imprisoned in the wooden building.
I send words to you gentlemen that you should make plans to eradicate this grievance.
While you are enjoying yourselves, in particular, remember our grudge here.

Listen to the poem in Cantonese ⏯

Island 119

感景拙詠

滄海圜孤峰
崎嶇困牢籠
鳥疏寒山緻
鴻使莫尋蹤
留難經半載
愁恨積滿容
今將歸國去
空勞精衛功

Crude Poem Inspired by the Landscape

The ocean encircles a lone peak.
Rough terrain surrounds this prison.
There are few birds flying over the cold hills.
The wild goose messenger cannot find its way.
I have been detained and obstacles have been put in my way for half a year.
Melancholy and hate gather on my face.
Now that I must return to my country,
I have toiled like the jingwei bird in vain.

Listen to the poem in Cantonese ⏯

Translations:
Lai, H. Mark, Genny Lim, and Judy Yung, eds. Island: Poetry and History of Chinese Immigrants on Angel Island, 1910-1940. Second edition. Seattle: University of Washington Press, 2014.