from On Poetry: III by Chao Yi

The best of poetry comes from the destitute, but my pocket is not yet empty;
I gather, it’s all because I haven’t perfected my skill as a poet.
Having fish to eat or bear’s paw? I admit, I’m greedy for both;
I yearn for skill in poetry, yet how I dread being poor!

translated by Irving Lo

2 thoughts on “from On Poetry: III by Chao Yi

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