Drip drip, the rain on paulownia leaves;
softly sighing, the wind in the mallow flowers.
Sad sad the early autumn thoughts
that come to me in my dark solitude.
How much more so when I part from an old friend–
no delight then in my musings.
Don’t say I didn’t see you off–
in heart I went as far as the Green Gate and beyond.
With friends, it’s not how many you have
but only whether they share your heart or not.
One who shares my heart has gone away
and I learn how empty Ch’ang-an can be.
translated by Burton Watson
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Leonard Durso 
Wonderful! 🤗
Glad you like it.
Deeply poignant isn’t it! And as true today.
I was actually looking for a different poem by Po Chü-i but when I read this one I thought it would do just as well. It was written to his close friend Yüan Chen, as was the one I was looking for also. The depth of his feelings are moving indeed.
You’re right Leonard, they are.
Last line has a touch of pain as someone has lost.most lovely and heart touching poem,dear Leonardo!!🌹
Yes, it is about loss.
Relax,my dear!! To get and to loss are the other name of the life.most welcome,dear Leonardo!!🌹🙏🌹
Very true.
Welcome,dear pure soul!!🌹
“it’s not how many you have but only whether they share your heart or not.”
What a great line!
Yes, and so true.