Thursday, February 02, 2006

Poem: T'ao Chi'en (365-427 CE)


[Image by Visual Paradox]

A green pine grows in eastern garden,
Dense underbrush obscures its beauty.
When a nipping frost ruins all other plants,
Its lofty branches emerge majestically.
Unnoticed among trees,
Standing alone, it becomes a wonder.
I take a pot of wine to hang on the wintry bough,
Then look afar, over and over again.
Life alternates between dreams and illusions,
Why should I tie myself to this worldly bondage?

[Translated by Wu-chi Liu, from Sunflower Splender]

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