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A Farewell Banquet to My Father's Younger Brother Yün, the Imperial Librarian
Translated by Florence Ayscough and Amy Lowell (1921) · From Fir-Flower Tablets (1921)
When I was young, I spent the white days lavishly.
I sang--I laughed--I boasted of my ruddy face.
I do not realize that now, suddenly, I am old.
With joy I see the Spring wind return.
It is a pity that we must part, but let us make the best of it and be happy.
We walk to and fro among the peach-trees and plum-trees.
We look at the flowers and drink excellent wine.
We listen to the birds and climb a little way up the bright hills.
Soon evening comes and the bamboo grove is silent.
There is no one--I shut my door.
Cite this poem
MLA
Po, Li. “A Farewell Banquet to My Father's Younger Brother Yün, the Imperial Librarian.” Translated by Florence Ayscough and Amy Lowell. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/li-po/111/.
Chicago
Po, Li. “A Farewell Banquet to My Father's Younger Brother Yün, the Imperial Librarian.” Translated by Florence Ayscough and Amy Lowell. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/li-po/111/.
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