Ocean, as Much as Rain: Poems From Tibet by Tsering Woeser Translated by Fiona Sze-Lorrain with Dechen Pemba
#TranslationMonth may be coming to an end, but here are two wonderful parting shots: two poems by Tsering Woeser translated by Fiona Sze-Lorrain. Thanks for celebrating with us! —The Editors
NTM premiere! On this #InternationalTranslationDay, we’re excited to share a short excerpt from Ocean, as Much as Rain, a collection of stories, lyrical prose, and poems from Tibet, written by prominent writer Tsering Woeser in the masterful translation by Fiona Sze-Lorrain with Dechen Pemba. This collection is forthcoming from Duke University Press—be on the lookout for it in February 2026!
We had a blast during National #TranslationMonth 2025! We’re extremely grateful to all authors, translators, poets, publishers, students, professors, organizers, and advocates who celebrated literary translations with us this September. Although our month-long celebration is coming to an end, we will continue to send updates, translation news, and translated gems in your inbox throughout the year—so make sure to subscribe and follow us on our socials @TranslateMonth on X and on Facebook. Whether you’re a reader, writer, or translator, there’s a place for you here.
And here are the promised parting shots: 2 poems by Tsering Woeser translated by Fiona Sze-Lorrain. Thanks for celebrating with us! Until next year, read, write, and share widely your favorite literary translations.
—The Editors
A Sheet of Paper Can Also Become a Knife By Tsering Woeser. Translated by Fiona Sze-Lorrain. Excerpted from Ocean, as Much as Rain by Tsering Woeser, edited and translated by Fiona Sze-Lorrain and Dechen Pemba. Copyright Duke University Press, 2026. A sheet of paper can also become a knife even sharper I only wanted to turn the page over but my right ring finger — cut Although the wound was small blood oozed thinly Pain was slight This metamorphosis startled me Even paper can suddenly become a knife What error or turning point makes it possible? I’m in awe of this plain paper October 16, 2007 — Beijing “Do Not Forget the Past . . .” By Tsering Woeser. Translated by Fiona Sze-Lorrain. Excerpted from Ocean, as Much as Rain by Tsering Woeser, edited and translated by Fiona Sze-Lorrain and Dechen Pemba. Copyright Duke University Press, 2026. Do not forget the past . . . In which night, which dream did the moon outshine itself? His whisper unsettles you He has changed, he faints easily Even the printed words have disappeared Anguished, he leaps into a dance with elegant gestures no one can learn O, under the moon, he becomes a ghost shuffling through the temple like a glowing key already rusty How can I open my Tibet? I still scream out his daylight name but in the day when our paths cross golden fallen leaves, like good days long gone shatter under the feet! His irretrievable face bony features The past, O the past is in my chest I look back secretly and can’t help but feel startled Suddenly, a slanted light strikes harder like striking a large monk’s robe Dust dances Colors flare Tibet is beyond time 1997, Lhasa