'Literature is language charged with meaning.' Ezra Pound
Two camellia treesfacing each otherwonder who planted them? I ve come by myselfto visit themin this fine drizzle I wanted to talk with thembut that won t happenthey are beyond language brilliantly, thoroughly red,as if on fireblooming here in snow. translated by Jiann I. Lin David Young
Who can say how life should look?We are like swans that walk on slushy snow, leaving their muddy footprints,and when they soar, go off in what direction? The old monks died, the new pagoda s built,ruined walls and old inscriptions vanish. Then why do we still recall the tumult,long roads, exhausted travelers, crippled braying donkeys? translated Continue reading Poem in reply to my brother s poem…
This year I plant it myself,using my own hands. Somebody asked me what yearI went away? Another year,and I came back again. The little tree waves and shakes,same as my hurting heart. translated by Jiann I. Lin David Young
The flowering pear treesare like white frostthe willows a deep green willow catkins float pastflowers fill the city I have a sense of sadnessthat comes from watchinga couple of snowy pear trees how many Qing Ming festivalsare left for me to witnessin this brief lifetime? translated by Jiann I. Lin David Young
I have not seen Master Lithis long timeHis pretended madness what a truly pitiable thing!the whole worldwants to be rid of himI alone cherish his talentSo nimble-wittedhe can writethousands of poemsforced to walk the roadsdrinking country wineOn K uang Shanhis old study when his hair is whiteit might be bestto go back there translated by C.H. Kwock Continue reading On Not Seeing Li Po by Tu Fu
What corner of earthhaven t you been to?and tonightyou re herein a friendly glowYour village home you ve been awaya long timeThe warnot over yet Wicker lamp getting dimstill a flick ring lightsnowfalling heavy without a soundWhat a lot of thingsyou have seen and heard!You must talk and talkuntil morning translated by C.H. Kwock Vincent McHugh
You ask when I m coming backThe date not set yetOn Pa Shahnight rainbrimming autumn poolsAh! when shall weat western windowtrim candles togetherand gossip aboutnight s rain on Pa Shan? translated by C.H. Kwock Vince nt McHugh
coffee coldoh yesoh yesbut this is whatmicrowaves were invented forand Iten thousand years oldin memorieswill sit on my new deck chairon my balconyon Şevki Bey Soksmoke a cigardrink Irish whiskeyand dream of this holidayof homefive thousand milesawayten thousand years ago
Spring mountains Fog about to disperseSky clearstars fewA fading moonshines on your cheekWe cry at partingas the day comes up So many wordsbut the feelingstrong as everTurning your headto look backyou call over and over Remember the Green-Skirt Girland everywhere on earthbe tender with the grass translated by C.H. Kwock Vincent McHugh
Ha! Never make lightof a cup of wine it can pour outour whole lives! translated by C. H. Kwock Vincent McHugh