散文翻译：岑桑·《残雪断想》

散文翻译：岑桑·《残雪断想》

The Lingering Snow: Afterthoughts

Cen Sang

The lingering snow, unwilling to fade into obscurity, forms heaps here and there, accumulating deeply in those uneven spots and emitting a bone-chilling coldness that sends shivers down the spine. Can you still not believe that the depths of winter have passed and spring has arrived?

At that time, with the piercing northern wind howling and the world enshrouded in an icy chill, our realm lay buried beneath a thick layer of ice, gasping for breath. Humanity fell silent, as joy withered away alongside the forests. Hope lay dormant, hibernating in the depths of the frozen earth; the vibrancy of life had faded, songs had ceased, leaving only sighs, the howling wind, and the mournful cries of jackdaws. Hearts were shattered, nerves numbed. The green faith withered slowly alongside withered branches and fallen leaves. If any vivid hues remained in the world, they were perhaps the bloodstains on the snowy expanse. It was akin to a prolonged ice age! In the long nights, people grew accustomed to living in bitter cold and despair, so much so that when the ice thawed and spring's warmth arrived, some remained incredulous, unable to believe in the passage of seasons. Is it precisely for this reason that you still doubt the presence of spring before your eyes?

The lingering snow, reluctant to depart, lingers in patches here and there; in those sun-deprived corners, it still lies thick, exuding a daunting residual might. Can you still not acknowledge that the depths of winter have receded and spring has dawned?

Back then, with miles of ice and snow swirling, our world had been frozen solid for far too long. People, subdued by the tyranny of ice and snow, endured in painful anticipation, yearning for spring with a fervor that nearly tore their chests asunder. Oh, when would colorful butterflies flutter again, and orioles flit about? When would flowers bloom in profusion, trees grow lush, beehives brim with honey, and hearts overflow with affection?... Beautiful expectations danced restlessly in people's hearts; for life had been desolate for too long, and none could bear it any further. People prayed for an overnight thaw, for flowers to bloom and leaves to flourish; yet the ice remained stubbornly thick, and spring's initial hues were not yet vibrant enough. Reality did not conjure miracles to fulfill people's understandable, urgent desires, so much so that even when swallows began carrying mud, some still failed to sense the transformation of the world. Is it precisely because of this that you still refuse to recognize spring's presence?

The lingering snow, with its dazzling white reflection,刺痛 (this Chinese character should be removed as it is not properly integrated into the English text and seems to be a stray insertion) our eyes; yet it is crumbling, unable to pile up more snowmen. With its icy demeanor, it傲然盘踞 (this Chinese phrase should be replaced with an English equivalent like "proudly occupies") the remaining corners where it can still find a foothold on the east and west sides; yet it is declining, no longer able to endlessly stifle the vitality of the earth. Lingering snow, you are undeniable evidence of the ugly forces' unwillingness to retreat and a symbol of their inevitable doom. You belong to winter, with a cold and fierce nature; yet, with your fragmented form, you inadvertently testify to spring's victory, allowing us to discern the genuine warmth of spring through your icy glare.

Winter has retreated in defeat, with the lingering snow serving as its rearguard. Time, both ruthless and affectionate, lets the deserving perish and the worthy thrive; it condemns what should be condemned and nurtures what should be praised into lushness. Spring flutters back lightly from the heavens, transforming into gentle breezes and skylarks. It silently emerges from the earth, becoming grass blades and sprouts. It rushes down from the mountains, turning into streams, rivers, and glistening lakes. Spring manifests in a myriad of life forms, in songs, smiles, and warm, beautiful hues... Long lost, spring, you wonderful season of burgeoning life! Today, we paste spring couplets, hang lanterns, erect towering colorful towers, and light endless lamps; children set off firecrackers and fireworks, while girls don butterfly hairpins and floral dresses, joyfully welcoming you with all their hearts.

Haha, spring, an endless expanse of glorious time! Compared to our overwhelming excitement for you, what are all these celebrations? I believe it is best to welcome you with our newly awakened hope, with our newly arisen aspirations! We shall ignite hope with our aspirations, making it shine brilliantly, flaring up into a raging flame, and hold high the torch of hope, planting it atop Mount Tai and erecting it on the peak of Kunlun.

Lingering snow, as the fire of hope burns ever brighter, we shall watch with comfort as you, the remnants of winter, finally dissolve into mud, sink into the ditches, and transform into puddles of dirty water. At that moment, our green dreams will unmistakably materialize in reality, growing denser and more vibrant with each passing day...