from A Farewell to Secretary Shu-yün at the Hsieh T’iao Villa in Hsüan-chou by Li Po

But since water still flows, though we cut it with our swords,
And sorrows return, though we drown them with wine,
Since the world can in no way answer our craving,
I will loosen my hair tomorrow and take to a fishing-boat.

translated by Witter Bynner & Kiang Kang-hu

10 thoughts on “from A Farewell to Secretary Shu-yün at the Hsieh T’iao Villa in Hsüan-chou by Li Po

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