from The Wang River Collection

Grainy Apricot Lodge

We cut grainy apricot wood for beams,
And bind sweet-smelling thatch for the eaves.
I do not know if the clouds among the rafters
Will go to make rain among men.

Huazi Ridge

Birds fly away to the end of the earth;
The mountains have the autumn look again.
Going up Huazi Ridge, and coming down,
I am moved by feelings of the utmost sorrow.

 Ailanthus Bank

They bear a fruit that's red and also green,
And then they bloom a second time, like flowers.
In the hills I entertain my guests
By setting out these cups of ailanthus.

Bamboo District Lodge

Sitting alone among secluded bamboos
I play the zither, whistle on and on;
Deep to the woods, unknown to the world,
A bright moon comes and shines on me.


--Wang Wei
Translated by Peter Harris