I raise my cup and invite
The moon to come down from the
Sky. I hope she will accept
Me. I raise my cup and ask
The branches, heavy with flowers,
To drink with me. I wish them
Long life and promise never
To pick them. In company
With the moon and the flowers,
I get drunk, and none of us
Ever worries about good
Or bad. How many people
Can comprehend our joy? I
Have wine and moon and flowers.
Who else do I want for drinking companions?
translated by Kenneth Rexroth
Just been reading Red Pine’s translations of Cold Mountain’s poems. Such simple, elegant, and natural ways among these poets. Love it.
Yes, I have a couple of his books of translations, too. He is very good and his notes on the poets and poems are also very informative.