Sunday, August 14, 2005

From 300 Tang Dynasty Poems, #2: Orchid and Orange I


This is a selection from the famous anthology of Tang Dynasty poetry, the 300 Tang Dynasty Poems. If you click on the title of this post, you'll be directed to an online version of the 300 poems.

Five-character-ancient-verse
Zhang Jiuling
ORCHID AND ORANGE I
Tender orchid-leaves in spring
And cinnamon- blossoms bright in autumn
Are as self- contained as life is,
Which conforms them to the seasons.
Yet why will you think that a forest-hermit,
Allured by sweet winds and contented with beauty,
Would no more ask to-be transplanted
Than Would any other natural flower?

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