Chinese Poems
Reading edition
Translated from the Chinese of Li Po by Sasaki and Maxwell Bodenheim
Gently-Drunk Woman
A breeze knelt upon the lotus-flowers And their odor filled a water-palace. I saw a king’s daughter Upon the roof-garden of the water-palace. She was half-drunk and she danced, Her curling body killing her strength. She grimaced languidly. She smiled and drooped over the railing Around the white, jewel-silenced floor.
Perfume—Remembrance
When you stayed, my house was filled with flowers. When you left, all disappeared, except our bed. I wrapped your embroidered clothes about me, And could not sleep. The perfume of your clothes has stayed three years. It will always be with me. But you will never come back. While I think of you yellow leaves outside Are dropping, and white dew-drops moisten the moss beneath them.
Drunk
When we fill each other’s cups with wine, Many mountain flowers bloom. One drink; another; and another— I am drunk; I want to sleep, So you had better go. Come tomorrow morning, hugging your harp, For then, I shall have something to tell you.
Mountain-Top Temple
Night, and rest in the mountain-top temple. I lift my hands, and knock at the stars. I dare not talk loudly, For I fear to surprise the people in the sky.