It’s a blessing, the ten thousand things
spoken. Don’t forget even a single line,
for I’m sending in these words a place
far from this loud world of confusion.
translated by David Hinton
Chinese poet
A Clear Stream in Ch’ih-chou by Tu Mu
I’ve played all day in the stream. Not twilight’s yellow
lights autumn’s destined coming, root of this white hair.
What is it I’ve trusted you to rinse a thousand times away,
until not, the dust fouling my brush-tip leaves no trace?
translated by David Hinton
Drinking Alone in a Small Garden by Li Shang-yin
Who could have knit the willow’s belts?
The flower buds are unwilling to open yet.
Only a pair of dancing butterflies are left;
Not a single person has come here.
I half unfold the dragon-whisker mat,
And lightly pour into the horse-brain cup.
Every year the arrival of spring is uncertain;
I have been deceived by the early blooming plum!
translated by James J.Y. Liu
Aboard a Boat at Night, Drinking with My Wife by Mei Yao-ch’en
The moon appears from the mouth of the sheer bluff,
its light shining behind the boat over there.
I sit drinking alone with my wife;
how much better than facing some dreary stranger!
The moonlight slowly spreads over our mat,
dark shadows bit by bit receding.
What need is there to fetch a torch?
We’ve joy enough in this light alone.
translated by Burton Watson
Goodbye At The River by Li Po
In this little river town
the autumn rain lets up
the wine’s all gone
well then, goodbye!
you stretch out in your boat
the sail fills, you skim home
past islands burning with flowers
banks crowded with willows
what about me? I don’t know
I think I’ll go sit
on that big rock
and fish
translated by David Young
Conversation Among Mountains by Li Po
You ask why I live
in these green mountains
I smile
can’t answer
I am completely at peace
a peach blossom
sails past
on the current
there are worlds
beyond this one
translated by David Young
By The Yangtze River by Li Zhiyi
I’m living upstream and you downstream
Day by day, you are the one I am missing.
Even if we can’t meet,
We are in the same drink.
The time when the water stops flowing,
Is the time of the end of my grief.
I’m wishing your heart was also missing me.
Then my pining for you has a meaning.
translated by Edison Lai
Thanks to Qiaoen for sharing this.
To the Melody A Blooming Plum by Li Qingzhao
The Fragrant red lotuses have Withered away,
My jade-like mat turns cool on autumn day
Lightly putting off my skirt or silky coat,
Alone I boarded the pretty boat
Looking back, the wild geese fly
Who’s to send me a letter through clouds sky?
My west chamber window’s full of moonlight
Flowers drift alone out of the smell
The creek running alone is natural
There’s one kind of love sickness
Coming from two places with sadness
No way could cure such a sickness
Just falling down from my eyebrows
Into my heart with sorrows
translated by Zhu Manhua
with thanks to Qiaoen for passing it my way
Spring Dawn by Meng Haoran
Sleeping in spring, I don’t feel the dawn
though everywhere birds are singing.
Last night I heard sounds, blowing, raining.
How many flowers have fallen down?
translated by Tony Barnstone & Chou Ping
The Coat of Gold Brocade by Du Qiuniang
I tell you, don’t adore your coat of gold brocade.
I tell you, adore the short spell of youth.
When the blossom is ready it must be plucked.
Don’t wait till flowers drop and break the empty twig.
treanslated by Tony Barnstone & Chou Ping
