If Fourteen Lines

Wang Yi

If I had just one second

to immerse myself in endless joy

If a widow’s single coin

could encompass the world’s wealth

If I were still alive

in the place nearest to the sun

If a hand, once nailed,

could touch my heart

If Pharaoh surrendered his throne

and the earth relinquished death

If eternity held no risk

and people cried until they laughed

If the devil’s schemes turned against him

and the brokenhearted said, “Thank you, Lord”

November 13, 2018

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