那時我們之間哪個會被留在這

獨自蒼老、昏沈、模糊—— 卻還願意說說我們這些死去的朋友？說啊說，像老舊了漏水的水龍頭。總歸會有年輕人，心懷敬愛和動人的好奇心發現他們身陷這些回憶的漩渦，只要每一次提到這個那個名字，提到我們曾一起做的事。（因為我們也曾心懷敬愛，又好奇激動地，聽別人講起那些早前的、顯赫的先輩。）在我們之間哪個來告訴他的朋友他知道這些那些。他曾經有個朋友—— 他們同度光陰。他曾去一個盛大的聚會。每個人都在場。黎明前他們慶祝、跳舞。他們環繞雙臂擁抱著彼此跳舞，直到太陽升起。而現在他們都已經離去。我們之間哪個又會被他作為舊相識聊起—— 「我曾握他們的手，抱他們和他們在溫暖的房屋整夜不睡。我曾愛過他們！」朋友呀，我愛你們，真的。我希望我足夠幸運，甚至有足夠殊榮，能繼續活下去，承擔這些見證。相信我，我會只講你們最好的事和我們最好的時光。對倖存者來說，總還有些什麼要期待的。漸漸變老，漸漸失去所有事物和所有人。 ——————

In the Year 2020

Raymond Carver Which of us will be left then– old, dazed, unclear– but willing to talk about our dead friends? Talk and talk, like an old faucet leaking. So that the young ones, respectful, touchingly curious, will find themselves stirred by the recollections. By the very mention of this name or that name, or what we did together. (As we were respectful, but curious and excited, to hear someone tell about the illustrious dead ahead of us.) Of which of us will they say to their friends, he knew so and so! He was friends with _____ and they spent time together. He was at that big party. Everyone was there. They celebrated and danced until dawn. They put their arms around each other and danced until the sun came up. Now they’re all gone. Of which of us will it be said– he knew them? Shook hands with them and embraced them, stayed overnight in their warm houses. Loved them! Friends, I do love you, it’s true. And I hope I’m lucky enough, privileged enough, to live on and bear witness. Believe me, I’ll say only the most glorious things about you and our time here! For the survivor there has to be something to look forward to. Growing old, losing everything and everybody. 譯於2020

In the Year 2020#

In the Year 2020