Here at the frontier, the leaves fall like rain. Although my neighbors are all barbarians, and you, you are a thousand miles away, there are still two cups at my table.


Ten thousand flowers in spring, the moon in autumn, a cool breeze in summer, snow in winter. If your mind isn't clouded by unnecessary things, this is the best season of your life.

~ Wu-men ~


Tuesday, April 26, 2011

The 300 Tang Dynasty Poems, #39: Ballads of the Four Seasons: Spring

The Tang Dynasty was a high point in Chinese culture. Poetry was especially esteemed. The very best poetry of the era was collected into the classic, 300 Tang Dynasty Poems. The poet Li Bai (aka Li Po) figures prominently in this collection. An online version of this classic may be found here.

Li Bai

BALLADS OF FOUR SEASONS: SPRING



The lovely Lo Fo of the western land
Plucks mulberry leaves by the waterside.
Across the green boughs stretches out her white hand;
In golden sunshine her rosy robe is dyed.
"my silkworms are hungry, I cannot stay.
Tarry not with your five-horse cab, I pray."

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