sometimes
too many choices
are worse
than none at all
indecision
sets in
clouding the brain
which never deals well
with clouds
and one stands
on precipices
looking everywhere
but down
which is ultimately
where one goes
when stepping off
into the unknown
Month: August 2014
Spring Night by Su Tung P’o
The few minutes of a Spring night
Are worth ten thousand pieces of gold.
The perfume of the flowers is so pure.
The shadows of the moon are so black.
In the pavilion the voices and flutes are so high and light.
In the garden a hammock rocks
In the night so deep, so profound.
translated by Kenneth Rexroth
Traveling Northward by Tu Fu
Screech owls moan in the yellowing
Mulberry trees. Field mice scurry,
Preparing their holes for winter.
Midnight, we cross an old battlefield.
The moonlight shines cold on white bones.
translated by Kenneth Rexroth
In Aliağa
I sit
no longer a stranger
on the shore
local merchants
now call me
by name
the taxi driver knows
where I live
a world within
a larger world
at home now
in Aliağa
in the north
of Izmir
it may not be
where I’m from
but it could be
where I belong
Brimming Water by Tu Fu
Under my feet the moon
Glides along the river.
Near midnight, a gusty lantern
Shines in the heart of night.
Along the sandbars flocks
Of white egrets roost,
Each one clenched like a fist.
In the wake of my barge
The fish leap, cut the water,
And dive and splash.
translated by Kenneth Rexroth
At The Washing Of My Son by Su Tung P’o
Everybody wants an intelligent son.
My intelligence only got me into difficulties.
I want only a brave and simple boy,
Who, without trouble or resistance,
Will rise to the highest offices.
translated by Kenneth Rexroth
solutions
the cat
likes to sleep
on my injured arm
preventing it
from healing
solution one
shut the door
and ignore
the scratching
and crying
solution two
shoot the cat
I dislike closed doors
and don’t own a gun
solution three
open to suggestions
Begonias by Su Tung P’o
The East wind blows gently.
The rising rays float
On the thick perfumed mist.
The moon appears, right there,
At the center of the balcony.
I only fear in the depth of night
The flowers will fall asleep.
I hold up a gilded candle
To shine on their scarlet beauty.
translated by Kenneth Rexroth
on advice
the first rule
of engagement
do not open
on too many fronts
and of course
I paid no attention
to my own advice
Epigram by Su Tung P’o
I fish for minnows in the lake.
Just born, they have no fear of man.
And those who have learned,
Never come back to warn them.
translated by Kenneth Rexroth
Leonard Durso 