Can I ask you something?
my driver asked...
Can I ask you something?
For someone like me,
with no education and
no skills, how would you
suggest I make money?
I don’t know
what my passions are.
Maybe gaming, just
on my phone,
but I’m not good enough
to livestream.
In an ideal world, a coach,
but who could let me
in the door?
Where even is the door?
How much do you make?
9,000 a month
driving from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
I give 6,000 to the car company
and the rest to my wife
in Hebei with our kid.
He’s one. I’m twenty-nine.
Do I look younger?
Once you have a family
you’re tied down. I thought
I was being responsible, but
now I know. I envy
your freedom.
There are many people
like me in China, without
prospect, no clue
how to be part of someone
else’s society. Dreams
are what people talk about
if they have ability and luck.
Tenacity pays the bills but
it is tiring.
Thank you, boss. I’ll take
your advice to heart.
But I’ll tell you the truth:
I think this country’s just this way.
The more you want it to change, the less
you understand what it’s changing for.
Hi Anthony, I'm hoping to visit China this summer (fingers crossed the trip happens!), so I'm currently trying to learn more about my native country. The truth embedded in your poetry is exactly what I'm looking for. "The less you understand what it’s changing for" was especially thought-provoking to me from this poem. Thank you. :)