“Living at Ease on the Ninth Day Festival”
BY TAO YUANMING (365–427)
I was living at ease and fond of the name Double Ninth
[for the equinox on the ninth day of the ninth month].
The autumn chrysanthemums filled my garden, but I
could not get hold of any strong ale, so I just ate the
Ninth Day blossoms, and entrusted what was in my
heart to these words.
my time is so short
my aims so many
this man would rejoice
in living long
days and months
proceed with the stars
every habit leads me
to cling to my name
the dew grows cold
warm breezes fade
the air becomes clear
heaven’s signs shine
departing swallows
leave no shadows behind
arriving geese
bring calls without end
ale would rid me
of a hundred worries
chrysanthemums stem
the afflictions of age
how can a man
in a thatched hut
just watch
the seasons decline?
my dusty flagon
shames the empty jug
cold blossoms
show forth in vain
I gather my robes
sing serenely alone
lost in thought
deep feelings stir
settling down does
have its pleasures
is not persisting
something in itself?
© 2024 Graham Sanders
Finding solace in #translating #Chinese #poetry from 1,600 years ago that still speaks to our times...🀄️📚
#Sinologists #translation #China