Li Qi (690-751)

The Ancient Army - Li Qi;

The whitened sun ascends the hill and views the signal fire,
At yellow eve, the drinking horse rests by the rivers' joint.
The travellers' come near the drums in misting desert storm,
A princess plays her Chinese harp with overflowing woe.
The wild warcamps for thousand miles escape the city wall,
And show'ring snow, chaotic flurry, fills the wasted land.
The Tartar geese's mournful echoes wing for every night,
While Tartar children's flooding tears descend from every pair.
From rumours heard that Jaded Pass seems nearly overwhelmed,
All loyal soldiers' life must trail the rushing chariots.
Though every year the bones of war are buried far from town,
Yet all would see barbarous grapes flow into Chinese home.

Saijo Yaso (1892-1970)

Face by Saijo Yaso (顔 / 西條八十)

No matter how far I go
across this endless, barren plain
only pale white flowers are in bloom,
I have never before
been on such a lonely journey.
Suddenly, I turn around to see
I’ve been aimlessly wandering
on the face of my lover.

Yoshihara Sachiko

The Affair by Yoshihara Sachiko (情事/吉原幸子)

In the evening, while I was swimming
across from the shore to the diving board,
I happened to find myself heading
directly in the path of the setting sun.
The platform, completely enveloped in the halo,
became a slender bone in silhouette that looked like it would soon burn down,
and the tepid waves ahead
violently rose up and assaulted me,
just like the sunset drifting over,
coming to swallow me whole.
But I also swallowed the waves and the sun.
I became the water, became the salt,
became a golden fish,
and for the first time in a long while, I thought,
(I am alive).

Meng Haoran (689-740)

Parting From Wang Wei
Meng Haoran

Quietly, I've waited here so long,
Day after day; but now I must return.
Now I go to seek the fragrant grass,
But I grieve to part from my old friend.
Who is there who would help me on the road?
Understanding friends are few in life.
I should just observe my solitude,
And close again the gate of my old home.

Meng Haoran (689-740)

Parting From Wang Wei
Meng Haoran

Quietly, I've waited here so long,
Day after day; but now I must return.
Now I go to seek the fragrant grass,
But I grieve to part from my old friend.
Who is there who would help me on the road?
Understanding friends are few in life.
I should just observe my solitude,
And close again the gate of my old home.

Tao Qian (132-194)

Drinking Wine
Tao Qian

I made my home amidst this human bustle,
Yet I hear no clamour from the carts and horses.
My friend, you ask me how this can be so?
A distant heart will tend towards like places.
From the eastern hedge, I pluck chrysanthemum flowers,
And idly look towards the southern hills.
The mountain air is beautiful day and night,
The birds fly back to roost with one another.
I know that this must have some deeper meaning,
I try to explain, but cannot find the words.

Du Fu (712-770)

Climbing High
Du Fu

Swift wind, heaven high, an ape's cry of grief,
At the islet of clear white sand, birds circle round.
Endlessly, trees shed leaves, rustling, rustling down,
Without cease, the great river surges, surges on.
Ten thousand miles in sorrowful autumn, always someone's guest,
A hundred years full of sickness, I climb the terrace alone.
Suffering troubles, I bitterly regret my whitening temples,
Frustratingly I've had to abandon my cup of cloudy wine.

Lao Tzu (604BC-531BC)

A Vessel Unfilled

It is better to leave a vessel unfilled, than to attempt to
carry it when it is full. If you keep feeling a point that has been
sharpened, the point cannot long preserve its sharpness.
When gold and jade fill the hall, their possessor cannot keep them
safe. When wealth and honours lead to arrogancy, this brings its evil
on itself. When the work is done, and one’s name is becoming
distinguished, to withdraw into obscurity is the way of Heaven.

Hsu Yun (1840-1959)

Meeting Tang Yousheng Twenty-one years old and from my village, yet!
So bright and filled with fresh ideas.
No wonder you gained such a high post in Tenchong.
I seemed ancient when I came to Chan.
We simmered tea and talked and talked
Coming up with one great line after another.
We hung up a lamp and read old poems.
I only just met you and yet I knew you all my life.
All night long we talked in an adventure
That continued until dawn. Then we parted.
I'm back on South Dian Road now
With my old companions, the sighing wind and bright moon.
The night sky is as lovely and charming as ever.
The stars are all there, but something's wrong.
Something is missing from the night's beauty.