Get Your Premium Membership

To Qiwu Qian Bound Home After Failing In 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. 






Book: Radiant Verses: A Journey Through Inspiring Poetry