Drifting on the Lake
The autumn sky is clear into the distance
The clearer so far from human habitation
On a sandy shore a crane, or beyond clouds
A mountain top makes my content
The limpid ripples calm and evening comes
The moon shines out and I relax
Tonight my single oar takes over
As I drift without thought of going back.
~~~
Light lines on a flat rock
Dear flat rock
facing the stream
Where the willows are sweeping
over my wine cup again
If you say that the spring wind
has no understanding
Why should it come blowing me
these falling flowers?
~~~
A greeting from the mountains to my younger brothers and sisters
There are in these hills many monks
Who group in recital and meditation
Gaze from your city walls into this distance
All that you will see is the white clouds.
~~~
Lament for Yin Yao
We followed you back for your burial
on Mount Shihlo
And then through the greens of oaks and pines
we rode away home
Your bones are there under the white clouds
until the end of time
And there is only the stream that flows
down to the world of men.
~~~~
Good-bye
Dismount and we'll take a drink together
Where are you off to?
You say you've failed - retiring
To the foot of the Southern Mountains?
Well, go - and no more questions
For the white clouds there'll never be an end.
~~~~
Visiting the forest pavilion of the recluse ...
The green trees give layers of shade
in all directions
The green moss thickens daily
and so there is no dust
He sits legs outstretched hair unkempt
under the tall pines
And regards with the whites of his eyes
the rest of the world.
~~~
Good-bye to Tsu
Smiles of meeting turned to parting tears,
Sad house, and town impenetrably dead
Far mountains sharp on the cold sky
Long river racing in the dusk
Boat cast off and you sailed away
Beyond my gaze, while I still stand.
