The Colors in Nuosu People’s Dreams

Impressions of the three colorsmost often used by my People

(I’ve dreamed of these colorsmy eyes welling with deep tears)

I’ve dreamed of blackI’ve dreamed of someone raising high a black cape,a black offering walking alone toward our ancestors’ souls,a black hero’s knot swarming with stars that do not fallBut how could I not knowwhen this sweet and sorrowful Peoplebegan calling themselves a Black People

I’ve dreamed of redI’ve dreamed of red ribbons resounding on bull horns,long red skirts playing heart-wrenching ballads,red saddles imagining they can soar freelyI’ve dreamed of redBut how could I not knowwhen the color of human bloodbegan flowing in our ancestors’ veins

I’ve dreamed of yellowI’ve dreamed of a thousand yellow umbrellas singing on the distant  mountain,yellow hems pulling the leaping sun alongyellow mouth harps flashing dazzling wingsI’ve dreamed of yellowBut how could I not knowwhen the bright colors of this worldwere left on ancient wood utensils

(I’ve dreamed of these colorsmy eyes welling with deep tears)