The cart goes cling cling When pulled by a horse’s sling: I’ll see a friend real soon And play a little tune. On the hill, a lacquer tree In the field, a chestnut tree I see my friend, We play the harp: Not living today, …
Read MoreUnyielding Chariots
Chariots and steeds, Unyielding speed: Gathered and strong, They’re moving east. On fields they pass, Expanding about On lengths of grass, With force to hunt. Our lord is rough, His soldiers tough, They fly the flags And whip the beasts— Around, around, The beasts spur …
Read MoreGrasshoppers
Chirping, chirping insects, Jumping, jumping grasshoppers; Sick and disturbed, For he has not returned. Down—unable to see him again I climb the southern mountain, Gathering ferns; Worried, concerned, For he has not returned. Chastened—unable to see him again I climb the southern mountain, Gathering ferns; …
Read MoreGathering Duckweed
There she gathers duckweed, Along the southern shore; There she gathers water grasses, Walking ever more. Many greens lay In her basket, and beyond; She’ll boil them in a cauldron, An offering to those passed on. The libation is ready now, She’s by the burial …
Read MoreGathering Grass
All morning, gathering grass, Not enough to fill my hands. I sing a tune, the words are sharp, Then I go back to bathe. All morning, gathering indigo, Not enough to fill my pockets. Been doing this for five days now, And on the sixth …
Read MorePlucking Licorice
Plucking licorice, plucking licorice— Will you do it at the mountain top? Men will talk But how can you believe? House of silk, house of silk— Be wary of their promises. Men will talk But what will you receive? Plucking herbs, plucking herbs— Will you …
Read MoreGathering Kudzu
Gathering kudzu there, I do not see her for a day, But it is like three months. Gathering sagebrush there, I do not see her for a day, But it is like three autumns. Gathering mugwort there, I do not see her for a day, …
Read MoreGathering Wormwood
Ah, he gathers wormwood At the pond, Doing his master’s work So he may use it in the palace. Ah, he gathers wormwood At the brook, Doing his master’s work So he may use it in the palace. Serving, serving, He serves from morning till …
Read MoreBrave Lord
Brave, brave lord, The nation’s cruel master— Holding a spear And spurring on fear. Coming from the east With hair like wild weeds— Unbathed, unclean, Who matches the scene? Rain, rain, Shine, shine, The sun comes out: He wants sweet words throughout. But what is …
Read MorePlum Flowers are Falling
Plum flowers are falling— A lucky seven, to be exact! I’ll beseech my lenders While my fate’s intact! Plum flowers are falling— A lucky three, to be exact! I’ll beseech my lenders While my fate’s intact! Plum flowers are falling— When I just redid my …
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