Mark Francis
SIX POEMS FROM THE CLASSICAL CHINESE
Boudoir Complaint
by Wang Changling
A young woman ignorant of sorrow
Makes up and climbs a jade tower.
Suddenly, she sees at road's end a green willow
And regrets urging her husband into the bureau.
On the Chief Muscian
by Du Mu
Guang Wen's lingering tones preserve the old wood's manner.
Chickens, dogs, paintings, scrolls-all in one boat, together.
You explain why rivers and lakes prevent returning here:
Head winds and drunkenness, year after year.
At a Banquet Hosted by the Military Chief
by Du Mu
In the brilliant hall, tonight a rich repast.
Who bid the District Censor here as guest?
Each startled by his sudden wild request
Three rows of powdered faces turn abreast.
On Mu Lan's Shrine
by Du Mu
Bending a bow, marching to war, in manly guise.
In dream, returning to once painted eyes.
Often while longing for home she raised a cup of wine,
Saluting the Bright Lady on Brushing Cloud Rise.
The Bian River Blocked by Ice
by Du Mu
As the freeze sets in over a thousand leagues of river
Jade bridles, jasper girdles, crackle air.
This floating life is just like ice-bound water:
Day and night running eastward, no one aware.
Autumn Grief
by Lu Lun
Years pass, my hair gone white now.
Fall comes, leaves turning yellow.
I scratch my head, ask the yellow leaf—
Is it, too, cut by grief?
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