Li Ruan
A Metallic Bridge
A slim, shining bridge across the bay
stretches to the ocean, glimmering
in the dark from afar.
I attempt to drift toward its beckoning
light—alluring me to cross to
the other side.
Only to realize the shimmering link
is a reflection—a sliver of moonlight
rippling on placid waters.
A reminder of home, mirrored in pale lines
between a dream and the real—
two distant shores bound by an infinite
bridge in silver glare.
Bio
Li Ruan, born and raised in Beijing, China, is a Manhattan-based educational consultant, emerging immigrant poet, and writer. Her work has appeared in Restless Books, Flora Fiction, Assignment Literary Magazine, Persimmon Tree, Storyhouse, Hamilton Stone Review, New York Public Library Zine, Lowestoft Chronicle, Discretionary Love, and Cool Beans Lit.