A-Ba

Inadvertently I came across this song. As the music played, as the voices sang, I began to cry...
Indeed, how I would like to call out dad's name again... how I see dad in the beautiful things and sceneries of this world... how I miss our conversations, just the two of us, sitting in the living room at night, slowly sipping tea...

Earlier, at dad's commemoration, I threw a package with dad's name on into a big cauldron of fire. The envelop, the letter, the photographs charred and crumbled into dark cindering waste as they were consumed by the violent flames.

I do hope dad will be able to receive my words, my longing, my prayers.

A-Ba*

Jay Chou and Jung Hung

*Taiwanese for dad

(translation mine)

My dearest A-Ba,

I would like to call out your name again,

Sing the songs you wrote before,

Letting go of feelings, singing endlessly…

The A-ba I think of and miss the most,

It’s time for me to sing songs for you to listen

The sounds of the song is like a swallow,

Taking you back to me here.

[CHORUS

What kind of paper should be used?

Slowly, slowly write,

So that you will know the things I have to say.

Do not, do not hurt,

Do not want, do not want to go,

Say you have left here…

We are growing up,

Protecting [our] home,

Protecting the silent and somber conversation under the warmth of candlelight,

Turn back to see,

A-Ba is like the mountain…]

My dearest dad,

You gave us a home,

[Let us] make a cup of tea named longing,

Lightly taste the heavy scent of care and concern.

[CHORUS]