I drifted south to follow the call of birds, Then hunted around my former haunting grounds Out west, where all was won with sand-swept words, I think, once in the red-baked canyon towns. In the wind somewhere I hear a whistling stone And stop at …
Read MoreYearning
Away in southern lands the red beans layAs spring returns to send its blooms above;Desiring you I pluck a big bouquet,To hold a thing that marks our tender love. Chinese 相思 紅豆生南國，春來發幾枝。願君多采擷，此物最相思。 Pronunciation Xiāng Sī Hóng dòu shēng nán guó，Chūn lái fā jī zhī。Yuàn jūn duō cǎi xié，Cǐ wù zuì xiāng …
Read MoreBamboo Retreat
Alone, I sit serene within a bamboo grove,At ease, I strum the lute and hum a song.Unknown into the forest deep I’ll roveUntil the shining moon has sung along. Chinese 竹里館 獨坐幽篁裡，彈琴復長嘯。深林人不知，明月來相照。 Pronunciation Zhú Lǐ Guǎn Dú zuò yōu huáng lǐ，Dàn qín fù cháng xiào。Shēn lín rén bù zhī，Míng yuè lái …
Read MoreDeer Woods
Inside the empty hills I see no men,The human words I hear are merely echoes.Returning deep within the woods again,The light reflects atop, where green moss grows. Chinese 鹿柴 空山不見人，但聞人語響。返景入深林，復照青苔上。 Pronunciation Lù Chái Kōng shān bù jiàn rén，Dàn wén rén yǔ xiǎng。Fǎn jǐng rù shēn lín，Fù zhào qīng tái shàng。 Literal …
Read MoreAbout a Guy
He swims a sea of dark red wine To drink the hours, soft and sweet, And wash away the jeweled vine Alone, beside a narrow street. In spring the birds shall flit about, As nighttime feasts can last till dawn; But then he’ll lift his …
Read MoreA Song While I Study
Happiness is yet to come— From low I grasp the light To embrace the empty sky, But no moon or stars tonight. Translation of an anonymous Chinese poem
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