MEANDERING RIVER I

Spring diminishes with each falling petal,

countless points of sorrow swirling in the wind.

Soon I will see the last remaining flower

and then will be drinking wine without solace.

Kingfishers nest on a hut by the river.

Unicorns adorn the border of a high tomb.

Looking into nature tells you to seek joy.

So why do I strive for undeserved honor?

     –Du Fu

 THE IMPERIAL ARMY RECOVERS HONAN AND HOPEI

Just now, here in Sichuan, news of a great victory!

Weeping for joy, tears soaking the front of my gown.

Turning to my wife and children–all my sorrow gone.

Scrambling around packing, quickly rolling up scrolls.

In the midday sun, singing out loud and guzzling wine.

The greening spring will be my travelling companion.

I’ll leave right away, passing through Pa Gorge to Wu Gorge,

sailing on to Xiangyang and then to Luoyang!

     –Du Fu