24.延安，我把你追寻

Lesson Twenty-Four

Yan’an, I Follow You

Like a swallows returning gracefully,

In pursuit of the past spring;

Like a thriving young tree,

In pursuit of rain, dew and sun.

Following you, the ding-dong flowing water of Yanhe River,

Following you, the fragrance of pear flower in jujube garden,

Following you, the big hoe of reclamation in Nanniwan,

Following you, the venue for the speech in Yangjialing.

Rows of tall buildings are springing up like mushrooms,

Pieces of household appliances are dazzling;

We bid farewell to the shabby hut forever,

But I can’t forget the warm heatable adobe sleeping platform in Yan’an cave.

The space shuttle explores the mysteries of the universe,

The electronic computer plays a wonderful symphony;

We don’t hesitate to throw away the old cow and the broken car,

But we can’t lose the indomitable spirit of Baota Mount’s.

Yan’an, your spirit is remarkable!

If I lose you,

It’s like having no soul,

How can we spread our wings and fly to a bright future?

Ah! Yan’an, I follow you,

Following the faith and the golden ideals;

Following the warmth and the bright spring;

Following the light and the fiery red sun!