Nima Yooshij

1896 - 1960

The Song of the Jungle

I wonder what tumult is racking the silence of this jungle

That breeds a hundred songs of joy and sorrow in the heart;

I wonder what magic lies within the depth of jungles

That helps the jungle witch to ensnare man.

When the autumn morning sun rises,

The jungle gets so brightly lit

That it occurs to you

That each golden leaf is a candle flame

Burning in the jungle's heart.

Which knight must bring the happy tidings of victory

For whom the jungle is adorned with lights?

When the incense-spreading gale scatters

A thousand gold coins over the jungle,

I wonder what the silent butterfly thinks

And by what melody the jungle love-bird

Sings the luring song of dropping leaves?

I like the jungle,

Because like the souls of us folks

It is full of mysterious and colorful lights and shadows.

I like the jungle,

Because a lively jungle is beautiful

And even at death it refreshes the world.

May the mirth breading jungle live long!
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