nature and solitude

  • At Parting [Tang Poems]

    — Wang Wei Dismounted, I drink with you And ask what you’ve in view. “I can’t do what I will; So I’ll do what I will; I’ll ask you no more, friend, Let clouds drift without end!”

  • To the Early Mume Blossoms [Tang Poems]

    — Qi Ji Frozen are all the trees; Your warm root will not freeze. In the village’s deep snow Last night your branch did blow. Fragrance oozed in wind light; Birds peep at you still white. If you blossom next year, You will foretell spring’s near.

  • Evening View of a Snow Scene [Tang Poems]

    — Jia Dao Cane in hand, I gaze on fine snow; Cloud on cloud spreads over the creek. To snow-covered cots woodmen go; The sun sets on the frowning peak. In the wildfire bums the grass dried; Mid rocks and pines smoke and mist rise. Back to the temple by the hillside, I hear…

  • Dwelling by the Stream [Tang Poems]

    — Liu Zongyuan Tired of officialdom for long, I’m glad to be banished southwest. At leisure I hear farmer’s song; Haply I look like hillside guest. At dawn I cut grass wet with dew; My boat comes o’er pebbles at night. To and fro there’s no man in view; I chant till southern sky…