Night slowly falls Zhang Baotong 2018.8.29

I have lost interest in the meaning of human life and action. It has been said that studying a person is more beneficial than reading ten books. But I didn't want to read or study people. All of these can be painful for me. Who can talk to me like the night, like the summer night? like the stars in the night sky and the caressing evening breeze?

As I lay under the maple tree, the night slowly and gently descended beside me. It crept out of the valley silently and permeated us, almost unaware of it. The outlines of the trees and leaves in front of me melted into a blurry black, and the night began to creep in from all directions, until the night was dark and dark. But through the gaps in the maple leaves in the forest, you can see that the sky is still lit up by stars and the moon.

The night is solemn and mysterious.

The human form was hidden by the invisible night, and someone sneaked out of the darkness and peeked at me like a little mouse. I don't mind that. My whole life was abandoned to the soothing and deep charm of the night.

Caddis sang the song of slumber. They are the spirits of the night, so sharp and intelligent! They are not numb and chattering like people, they just say to me, "Sleep, sleep, sleep." "The wind blows the maple leaves, and the peace and tranquility make me fall asleep.

Why do fools fool the earth? for a man's voice has broken the necromancer's curse. A man came to his Bible class today. His face was red-faced, his rough eyes, and his reckless words and deeds were disgusting. Does he really know what Christ is? Can I ask a young fool who was born yesterday and is going to die tomorrow? I'd rather ask the stars, because they've all seen Christ.

The last letter

The last letter (a letter from an American soldier who died in Iraq) translated by Zhang Bao on July 22, 2018

Dear Cecil, my son,

Before I thought I was going to write this letter to you, I had written a brief note. You're 8 years old and just a little boy. But you should know that on September 11, 2001, the United States was attacked by terrorists, and the following year, in 2002, I was drafted by the Marine Corps and sent to Iraq to fight in the war on terror. At that time, I thought that I was finally going to leave you, and my heart was filled with sadness. That night, when you fell asleep with your sister Keke, I looked at your little faces and couldn't help but shed tears.

I know what that means to you because I've had this same experience. When I was a 6-year-old boy, my dad, your grandfather, Cowley, was sent to Vietnam during the Vietnam War. I remember how much I missed him. But unfortunately, I only now realize how careless I was at that time, and my grandfather was going to leave their children for a year. Thinking about this, I want to put my thoughts and feelings on you and my sister. I'm sorry I had to be away for so long. But to me, where you and Kaiko are is the most important place for me, and I want to be by your side all the time. Because you two are the beacons of my life. The years I've spent with you since you both were born have been the happiest times of my life. If that doesn't happen, I hope to spend more good years with you. My love for you cannot be expressed in words.

If for some reason I can't get home, I need you to take care of your sister and mom. You will be a member of the Cowley family. My good dear, my son, God will take care of you as He owns me. I can't wait for the moment when we can meet again.

All the love you have, Daddy

Two days after Cowley's death, the letter was sent to his home in Utah, written on a lunch box for a U.S. military's front-line meal. It was also his words to his wife in Japanese and his last words to the children: Dear Cecil and Kechow, Hi little ones. How are you? Daddy is good. I miss you. Would you like to send me a letter? It will make me very happy. I'm so proud of you. You guys are such good boys. I will see you all again.

Love you dad