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 …
Read MoreBinding Silk
Silk binds the wood Like three stars in heaven, This evening—what a night To be here with my loyal husband; This child, my child, Just like the man I married. Silk binds the hay, Like three stars far off— This evening—what a night To meet …
Read MoreOwl
Owl, Owl— Who seized my eggs And fouled my nest. Mercy, mercy—please, I mourn these eggs I reared, And how I toiled in the breeze, To leave when the sky had cleared And dig the mulberry twigs To tie them to the window rigs. How …
Read MoreMorning Wind
Morning wind, The north forest’s scent: A bird flies. Sincere, forgotten, Anxious and sad— I haven’t seen him yet. In the mountain—chestnut leaves In the marsh—the colors burst: My grieving heart. Sincere, forgotten, Anxious and sad— I haven’t seen him yet. In the mountain—cherry leaves …
Read MoreWorking for the King
Sigh, sigh—working all day To honor the King. The valley Is full and ripe, so we’re in luck When they come to seize our grain. Sigh, sigh—the guards about the field Ensure that no one takes the king’s Abdundant spring. This field Has nothing for …
Read MoreYou Carry Me
I ride through hills, listening to the grrr grrr of the wheels, and think of the lovely girl I’m going to meet. I’m not starving or thirsty, but long instead to marry you, the girl I love. The forest is flat, the tree leaves luxurious, …
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