August 24, 2013

Hard is the Journey by Li Po

HARD IS THE JOURNEY

Gold vessels of fine wines,
thousands a gallon,
Jade dishes of rare meats
costing more thousands,

I lay my chopsticks down
no more can banquet,
And draw my sword and stare
wildly about me:

Ice bars my way to cross
the Yellow River,
Snows from dark skies to climb
the T'ai-hang Mountains!

At peace I drop a hook
into a brooklet,
At once I'm in a boat
but sailing sunward …

(Hard is the Journey,
Hard is the Journey,
So many turnings,
And now where am I?)

So when a breeze breaks waves,
bringing fair weather,
I set a cloud for sails,
cross the blue oceans!


- Li Po

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