Coffee of Life


I was a drop of bitter coffee.
You a grain of sugar unspoiled.
With my spoon I stirred along
the bottom of the cup,
Trying to mingle our love forever.

I wander to the end of the street,
Counting the raindrops passing by,
Counting the sorrows I have still.
Do you ache as often as I?

The drop of coffee, sharp and bitter,
Rolls on pale lips,
The sugar was not yet diluted.
When so quickly we lost each other.

On the far side of the ocean,
Your sweetness spreads ever outward.
Each afternoon, I go to a café,
As I sip, I take in each welling tear …


Translate by James Banerian
Original Title Cà Phê Đời