Puhuitang Bridge over the River Puhui in Qibao Ancient Town, Shanghai (China)

A small black covered boat
In a thin autumn-morning fog
Is about to sail beneath an ancient arched bridge.

It’s a mysterious opening. 

Who knows what will be revealed

Through the passage under the stone arch?

A broad turbulent river. 
Or an unadorned quiet town?
A pretty but bleak plain? 

We’ve seen tallow trees: red berries, White reeds, 
Emerald kingfishers. Thank Heaven, our voyage
Proceeds on course. 

But while we’re smiling, In the thin autumn-morning fog
A new arch emerges, mystery. Looming.
Another dread. Clutches at our chest

The arched bridge

 Shi Zhecun poem