Chinese translations Li Bai

Li Bai translations These are my modern English translations of Chinese poems by Li Bai, also known as Li Po. Zazen on Ching-t’ing Mountain by Li Bai translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Now the birds have deserted the sky and the last cloud slips down the drains. We sit together, the mountain and I, until only the mountain remains. Farewell to a Friend by Li Bai translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Rolling hills rim the northern border; white waves lap the eastern riverbank... Here you set out like a windblown wisp of grass, floating across fields, growing smaller and smaller. You’ve longed to travel like the rootless clouds, yet our friendship declines to wane with the sun. Thus let it remain, our insoluble bond, even as we wave goodbye till you vanish. My horse neighs, as if unconvinced. Lines from Laolao Ting Pavilion by Li Bai translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch The spring breeze knows partings are bitter; The willow twig knows it will never be green again. A Toast to Uncle Yun by Li Bai translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Water reforms, though we slice it with our swords; Sorrow returns, though we drown it with our wine. Quiet Night Thoughts Li Bai translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Moonlight illuminates my bed as frost brightens the ground. Lifting my eyes, the moon allures. Lowering my eyes, I long for home. My interpretation of this famous poem is a bit different from the norm. The moon symbolizes love, so I imagine the moon shining on Li Bai’s bed to be suggestive, an invitation. A man might lower his eyes to avoid seeing something his wife would not approve of. The Solitude of Night by Li Bai translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch At the wine party I lay comatose, knowing nothing. Windblown flowers fell, perfuming my lap. When I arose, still drunk, The birds had all flown to their nests. All that remained were my fellow inebriates. I left to walk along the river—alone with the moonlight. Li Bai (701-762) was a romantic figure called the Lord Byron of Chinese poetry. He and his friend Du Fu (712-770) were the leading poets of the Tang Dynasty era, the Golden Age of Chinese poetry. Li Bai is also known as Li Po, Li Pai, Li T’ai-po, and Li T’ai-pai. Keywords/Tags: China, Chinese, bird, birds, clouds, mountains, spring, partings, farewell, goodbye, green, twig, bitter, water, sorrow, wine, moon, love, bed, frost, eyes, introspection, loneliness, solitude