Toward the Temple of Heaped Fragrance
July 6, 2023Thinking of My Brothers…
July 6, 2023To Qiwu Qian Bound Home After Failing an Examination
In a happy reign there should be no hermits;
The wise and able should consult together….
So you, a man of the eastern mountains,
Gave up your life of picking herbs
And came all the way to the Gate of Gold —
But you found your devotion unavailing.
…To spend the Day of No Fire on one of the southern rivers,
You have mended your spring clothes here in these northern cities.
I pour you the farewell wine as you set out from the capital —
Soon I shall be left behind here by my bosomfriend.
In your sail-boat of sweet cinnamon-wood
You will float again toward your own thatch door,
Led along by distant trees
To a sunset shining on a far-away town.
…What though your purpose happened to fail,
Doubt not that some of us can hear high music.
Wang Wei
Wang Wei (701-761) was a Chinese poet, painter, and musician who is considered one of the most important figures of the Tang dynasty. Wei's poetry often dealt with themes of nature and the human condition, and his most famous works include "Deer Fence" and "The King of Chu at Shangyin." Wei was also a renowned painter and musician.