A New Du Fu Translation

To Li Bai at Sky's End


Cold wind blows from sky's end.
My friend, what's on your mind?
The wild geese come, but do not tell.
Autumn rains swell the waters.
Good writing disdains good fortune.
Demons delight in passing travellers.
Share your thoughts with that despairing soul.
Drop your poems in his drowning river.

A New Li Bai Translation

TO MENG HAORAN


I love you Meng Fuzi, Master Meng,
free spirit, famous under heaven.
In rosy youth, you spurned cap and carriage.
With snowy head, you lie among clouds and pines,
drunk beneath the moon, remaining the sage,
addled among flowers, serving no lord.
At the foot of your unscaleable heights,
I bow in gathering mountain fragrance.