Dennis Spilchuk Poet Tanka

Notes About The Poem

Poet Atop a Mountain

Poet Atop a Mountain

The poet, unfraught
   after an arduous climb
to the mountaintop,
   attempts to describe the view
with limited use of words.
                 ***

Poet On a Mountaintop
 by Shen Zhou, (Chinese, 1427–1509) (tr. Indiana University)

White clouds sash-like
   wrap mountain waists,
The rock terrace flies in space
   distant, a narrow path.
Leaning on a bramble staff
   far and free I gaze,
To warble of valley brook
   I will reply, whistling.
                ***

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Darlene De Beaulieu January 16, 2022 at 10:49 AM Hello Denis, the view from the top must be a very wonderful view to see. There are not many people that can see a view like that. Enjoy your day my friend. Dennis Spilchuk January 18, 2022 at 8:57 AM Thank you for your generous comment. Shen Zhou captured the moment in art and poetry.