Funny–I never could keep my mouth shut;
it gets worse the older I grow.
The long river loops the town–fish must be tasty;
good bamboo lines the hills–smell the fragrant shoots!
An exile, why mind being a supernumerary?
Other poets have worked for the Water Bureau.
Too bad I was no help to the government
but still they pay me in old wine sacks.
translated by Burton Watson
I can relate…
It isn’t easy being outspoken. There are always consequences, even when your views are correct.
Wonderful poem, but ti does bring an omen of my future: I will never shut up as well 😀
It cost him time in jail plus constant exile. It was not easy being critical of the court in those days.