mountains rivers
to cross
an ancient road
leading to cherished goods
a traveler embarks
on foot
uncertain of what awaits
at the final destination
uncertain future
anticipation
wine can’t quiet
the nerves
which twitch
and the heart
which beats
a bit faster
even the cat
quite accustomed
to mood shifts
is jumpy
and avoids
the open suitcase
and what it signifies
will follow
The Turning Year by Su Tung P’o (Su Shi)
Nightfall. Clouds scatter and vanish.
The sky is pure and cold.
Silently the River of Heaven turns in the Jade Vault.
If tonight I do not enjoy life to the full,
Next month, next year, who knows where I will be?
translated by Kenneth Rexroth
