Unknown Beaten hemp— Prince Omi’s A mere fisherman, Cutting seaweed On Irago Island. Refers to Prince Omi’s exile. The image is that he is now living a life no greater than a peasant fisherman. “Beaten hemp” is a “pillow word” for “spun hemp,” a kind …
Read MoreEastern Sun
Anonymous Ah, the beautiful girl In the eastern sun— She’s in my room, She’s in my room, Her feet will follow mine. Ah, the beautiful girl In the eastern moon— She’s in my door, She’s in my door, Her feet now follow mine. Original Chinese …
Read MoreRainbow, Rainbow
It is dusk. A rainbow rises To the east, but do not look: She travels far From her family. A rainbow rises to the west, To honor the morning with rain: She travels far From her family. That woman has a heart That longs for …
Read MoreAbandoned Birchleaf
The birchleaf stands alone, Now ripe with fruit full grown. The king’s work must be done, On every day, in every sun. So many suns and moons, My heartfelt female wounds: But can he come back soon? The birchleaf stands alone With leaves now plush …
Read MoreA Birchleaf Pear, Alone
There is a birchleaf pear with flourishing leaves. It is alone. Abandoned, I walk forlorn, Left to wonder why there is no one else. My father is not my father. Alas! I walk apart— But why am I not his equal? My brothers are not …
Read MoreGod of Grain
Dear God, our field flows afar. We have grains to sow and seeds to choose. We must prepare the earth with a sharpened plow. I head for the southern field, its hundreds of grain valleys, long and large, with grandson in tow. The valley rolls …
Read MoreMy Lord Goes Riding in a Field
My lord goes riding in a field, A team of steady horses; He holds the reins Like movements in dance. He rides in a marsh, Shooting fire with violent tools; He grabs a tiger—with just his hands— And shows it at the palace: My lord, …
Read MoreGreat Car
You have a great car. It rumbles and roars. You wear a fur coat, thick as the plush of forest rush. How could I not think of you? But I dare not speak. Your great car moves slowly. Creak, creak. Your fur clothes sparkle like …
Read MoreFaithful Birds
Quail goes rush rush, Magpie goes brush brush. This man’s a lush, Yet I’m his brother? Quail goes rush rush, Magpie goes brush brush. This woman’s a mush, Yet I’m her husband? The poem describes how faithful the quails and magpies are with their mates, …
Read MoreI Left the Eastern Gate
I left the eastern gate Where women move like clouds, And though they move like clouds, There’s none my thoughts allowed: I think of the girl in silk white plaits And how I’m happy with my fate. I went to the tower by the gate …
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