Returning Home after a Trip by Wei Ying-wu

In the past I was glad to come home
but to sadness I now return
entering our closed sunless room
I stifle my grief and write the epitaph
I lift the dark curtain in pain
startled by a cold desolate breeze
our younger daughter doesn’t realize
she still comes into the courtyard to play
I sigh every day feeling older
dazed by the transience of life
my relatives urge me to eat
at the table my tears fall in vain

translated by Red Pine

Entertaining Adjutant Li by Wei Ying-wu

When we were fifteen we both served at court
we climbed the red steps through incense at dawn
we toured the Han Garden in bloom
and bathed on Lishan in the snow
but the Immortal has flown and isn’t expected back
his advisors are scattered assuming they’re alive
meeting you today thinking about the past
one cup makes me happy the next one sad

translated by Red Pine

To Secretary Yang by Wei Ying-wu

Colleagues have scattered and gates are closed
the calling of birds fills a mountain town
our parting on the Yangtze seems so long ago
I notice the empty mat beside me
the boats on South Lake are moored because of rain
the screens at North Tower are rolled up due to wind
wine-tasting parties are canceled
I regret our time together has passed

translated by Red Pine