I've Put in Gardens South of the Fields

Woodcutter and recluse - they inhabit
these mountains for different reasons,

and there are other forms of difference.
You can heal here among these gardens,

sheltered from rank vapors of turmoil,
wilderness clarity calling distant winds.

I chi'i - sited my house on the northern hill,
doors opening out onto the southern river,

ended trips to the well with a new stream
and planted hibiscus in terraced banks.

Now there are tree flocks at my door
and crowds of mountains at my window,

and I wander thin trails down to fields
or gaze into a distance of towering peaks,

wanting little, never wearing myself out.
It's rare luck to make myself such a life,

though like ancient recluse paths, mine
bring longing for the footsteps of friends:

how could I forget them in this exquisite
adoration kindred spirits alone can share?


--Hsien Ling-Yun
(385 to 433)
translated by David Hinton