Uncollectable Spilled Water

I am told that dripping water can eat through stone

Though as a child I was not too clear on the specifics of why or how

I read that fish cannot survive in completely clear water

And I wonder about all the fresh water fish

If I am seeing the heavens in the water  (it’s called a reflection)

Then why can’t I see the fish in the trees?

 

I’m drinking the water

I’m trying, but for the life of me I don’t seem to be able to remember the spring

Flowing water never gets dirty

The remedy for dirt is soap and water

Water and words are easy to pour but impossible to recover

The remedy for dying is living

 

What is it about “Chinese” water?

 

覆水難收

 

覆 (fu) – spill

  

水 (shui) – water 

  

難 (nan) – hard

  

收 (shou) – collect, receive

 

© Lucy Chau Lai-Tuen Sheen