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Hao-Kai Pai

Ladder

The ladder                           in the backyard
Stands under                       the shadow
Of the tree.                          Long ladder,
With ropes                           and steps,
Is the                                    only way
Leading to your secret place.
The hands                            guide you,
Letting go                             of the previous step,
Reaching                                into the sky,
And then grasping the ladder rung by rung.
Your feet,                           which once led
Firmly                                  on the ground,
Now must anxiously follow into the air.
Defying                                the law of gravity,
Trying to                               move away
From                                   the center
Of the                                 invisible force.
Then, the ladder starts to shake.
Don’t be                               afraid!
When you fall,                      the soft grasses
Will catch you.                         So,
Don’t waste time on looking down!
Look up!                              The blowing wind
Accompanies                         your brave act,
With the                             squeaking sound
Sneaking in                          as basso continuo.
Strong                                   and tight,
Your desire to reach the airy castle
Has                                       a quality
Steadier                                than the gusts.
Surrounding you,                     succession of air,
Surpass                                 obstacles.
It is your own hand that can decide
If you can reach                   your secret place
And open the door of the castle.

[TABLE OF CONTENTS, LHS CLASS OF 2011 EDITION]