For the Rivers of This World

I admitI’ve eulogized you beforejust like I’ve eulogized land and lifeWho knows how many poets and sageshave praised you in different languagesWho knows how many poems have become classicsbecause you existI admit I’m not the firstto compare you to a mother,but your milk has been nourishing the vast landand the people living on the landfor centuriesI admityou created the first mythIt was you who used invisible handsto begin to till the gold banksBelieve me, nourishment from riversis the only reason all human civilizationsare filled with boundless vitalityWe revere rivers because they’re a symbolTheir sublime names are like an epicThey truly record the progress and hardships of humankindWhen we pay respect to civilizationswe’re actually paying respect to those great riversIt was rivers that gave us knowledgeand it was rivers that passed on the cultures and languagesof different racesAnd it was rivers that gave us manifold ways of life and beliefsI admit, Rivers, your beauty is comparableto a sleeping young womanWhen you pass dreamlike fieldsin reality, you’ve already given us poetry and loveBelieve me, in the hearts of many Peoplesyou’re the embodiment of justice and freedomYou’re humankind’s conscience and tearsYou’ve helped the weak and sympathized with the oppressedWith each jar of holy water, you’re bathing people’s soulsThe eternity you bestow upon the less fortunateis faith and courageI admit people have inflicted grave harm upon youWhen we gaze at the banks of rivers run dryand gaze at your polluted bodies our confessions overflow with sorrowBelieve me, Rivers! We promisewe won’t hesitate to offer our livesto safeguard your songs and gloryAh, Rivers, people’s eternal mother,let us return to your bosom once againLet us shout out your majesty and your names once more